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MELBOURNE - Exiled Tibetan religious leader, the Dalai Lama, says he's not bothered one way or the other if he is snubbed by Australia's political leaders during his 11-day visit.
The 71-year-old, wearing the traditional Tibetan maroon and gold monk's garb, said he has met the prime minister on a previous visit and if it was not to happen this time, "no problem".
In a 25-minute briefing with the media today, the 14th Dalai Lama said he did not know if a meeting with John Howard would eventuate.
"I hear some say there is a possibility and some say there is no possibility -- I don't care," he said.
"If they find it too much of an inconvenience, no problem. I don't want to create inconvenience with anybody."
He agreed that Australia's trade with powerhouse China, which occupies Tibet and counts it as a part of greater China, may come ahead of a meeting with the Dalai Lama and the risk of upsetting the communist government.
"China is a very, very important country, and trade with China is certainly very important," the Tibetan Buddhist leader said.
"So there's no question that is why the prime minister finds it a little difficult (to meet with me) -- that's understandable," he said.
The Dalai Lama said he was now in semi-retirement and Tibet had elected political leaders to carry on the struggle for autonomy.
"Our approach is not seeking independence (from China). We are seeking genuine autonomy to preserve Tibetan culture, Tibetan language and the Tibetan environment," he said.
He admitted Tibetan youth are becoming frustrated with the lack of progress in talks with Chinese leaders and feared that if nothing changed in the next 15 years, Tibet could be swallowed up completely.
"Tibetan youth are very frustrated and if the present situation is the same in 15 years then I think Tibet is finished," he said.
Asked for his opinion on stem cell research, the Dalai Lama said he was open-minded.
"Generally any scientific research work is good, provided the motivation and the goal are important," he said.
After the conference, the Dalai Lama was given a police escort to the Rod Laver Arena where he was due to address a multi-faith youth forum for more than 9000 Victorian secondary school students.
- AAP
