Dalai Lama rules out retirement, reaffirms middle way

By Bappa Majumdar

DHARAMSALA (Reuters) - The Dalai Lama ruled out retirement on Sunday and reaffirmed the support of Tibetan exiles for his "Middle Way" approach to China.

The Tibetan spiritual leader said new policy options on China could be considered in the future.

His statements came a day after Tibetan exiles decided to stick to the "Middle Way" approach to China in a six-day meeting, after a lack of progress in autonomy talks frustrated the Dalai Lama and led him to call for a review of his stand.

The 73-year-old leader told a news conference that he would not retire, putting an end to speculation about his future after he was hospitalised with abdominal pains earlier in the year.

"There is no point, or question of retirement," he said.

"It is my moral responsibility till my death to work for the Tibetan cause."

He said success could also be achieved by pursuing non-violence.

The Dalai Lama's "Middle Way" approach abandoned the dream of an independent Tibet in favour of seeking greater autonomy within China through dialogue.