Statement: Dalai Lama Stepping Down - India

The Dalai lama has offered his annual political statement on the eve of 52nd anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising day and announced he would step down as political head of Tibet's exiled government.

He said: "the Tibetans need a leader, elected freely by the Tibetan people, to whom I can devolve power, we have clearly reached the time to put this into effect. During the forthcoming eleventh session of the fourteenth Tibetan Parliament in Exile, which begins on 14th March, I will formally propose that the necessary amendments be made to the Charter for Tibetans in Exile, reflecting my decision to devolve my formal authority to the elected leader.Since I made my intention clear I have received repeated and earnest requests both from within Tibet and outside, to continue to provide political leadership. My desire to devolve authority has nothing to do with a wish to shirk responsability. It is to benefit Tibetans in the long run. It is not because I feel disheartened. Tibetans have placed such faith and trustin me that as one among them I am committed to playing my part in the just cause of Tibet. I trust that gradually people will come to understand my intention, will support my decision and accordingly let it take effect".

After the speech the Dalai retired and the Tibetan Prime Minister answered to the mass media.