Tokyo, Nov 04: The Tibetans want "genuine autonomy" for their homeland and are not seeking independence from China, the spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, said in an interview published in Japan today. The Dalai Lama, who is currently visiting Japan, told The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper that China should apply the "one country, two systems" model to Tibet as it has done in Hong Kong and Macau.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate said the Chinese government was not paying due respect to political rights and economic status of Tibetans, one of the poorest ethnic groups in China, the Yomiuri Shimbun said. He urged Beijing to restore and guarantee greater autonomy in Tibet, the Yomiuri said.

The Dalai Lama said the two sides needed to improve ties through direct contact.

His government-in-exile based in Dharamsala sent special envoys to China in September 2002 and May this year, and the Dalai Lama said it had already proposed sending another envoy, the Yomiuri said. Bureau Report