Bangalore: The Dalai Lama said today (Dec 2, 2004) it would be in the interest of Tibetans that Tibet remained in China from economic development perspective and reiterated that he is only seeking genuine autonomy for Tibet and not independence.

The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader said in Bangalore that over the years while there has been remarkable economic development in China, the Government there has neglected Tibet in modern education, training and technology while only giving priority to "how to control Tibet and exploit its natural resources".

"As a result, Tibet... if we Tibetans take full responsibility (of Governing Tibet)... develop areas on our own... I think it's difficult," the Dalai Lama said in response to a participant's query after his address on "Universal Brotherhood", organised by Rotary Club.

"Therefore, from our own interest... for economic development... remaining in China, I feel, is useful, provided the Chinese Government respects the ancient rich culture and spirituality of Tibet," he added.

"So, China should adopt a realistic approach. I am for middle-way approach (genuine autonomy for Tibet)," he said.

Asked by reporters later if he thought Tibet would have genuine autonomy during his lifetime, he responded, "very possible".

Noting that China - "roughly speaking" - is a "Buddhist country, the Dalai Lama stressed that it's in the interest of China also to preserve the Tibetan culture which is relevant even today.

He also pointed out that Buddhism is being followed in some other regions in the world including parts of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia and Central Asia. "China should be realistic and know that. Tibetan culture must be respected."

The Dalai Lama underscored the need to preserve the ecology of Tibet, noting that Tibetan environment is delicate because of high altitude and dry climate.

He quoted scientists as saying that snow level in Tibet is reducing and in another 50 years, the entire snow mountain would melt away. If that happens, some major rivers in Pakistan, India and some other Asian countries would be deprived of their sources, he argued.

The Tibetan spiritual leader said while many in the US and India are sympathetic to the Tibetan issue and have great concern for it, he wondered how far they can help matters as it depended on "many factors".

Earlier, the Dalai Lama had said that though China's economic development is remarkable, situation in remote areas of that the country is bad. China is replacing Marxism, which "is gone", with a nationalist ideology. While nationalism is good to a certain level, it's dangerous if taken beyond a limit.