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Dalai Lama Formally Gives Up Political Powers

   VOA News  May 30, 2011
   Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama (file photo)

Photo: REUTERS

   Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama (file photo)

   The Dalai Lama has formally given up his role as the political head of
   the Tibetan government-in-exile, but will remain Tibetan spiritual
   leader.
   The Dalai Lama announced in March that he would relinquish his
   political powers in favor of an elected head of government.
   In his last political act, he signed an amendment to the Tibetan
   constitution, turning over his powers to Prime Minister in exile,
   Lobsang Sangay. Tibetan officials say the Dalai Lama will spend more
   time promoting human rights and interfaith cooperation.
   The Tibetan government-in-exile is based in the northern Indian town of
   Dharamsala.
   The Dalai Lama fled there in 1959 after an unsuccessful uprising
   against Chinese rule over Tibet.
   China accuses the Dalai Lama of fomenting unrest in Tibet in a drive
   for independence. He denies the charge.

   Some information for this report was provided by AFP.

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