Below is an article published by Bikyamasr:

Tibet’s spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said in a speech on Wednesday [12 September 2012]  that his successor would only be the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people and not have a political role.

He expressed satisfaction at handing over “legitimate authority” to elected leaders of the community in-exile.

The Dalai Lama had until last year held the dual position of political and spiritual head of the Tibetans before he transfered all powers to the “Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile.”

Delivering a talk on “Nonviolence and Ethical Values” at the Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi, the Tibetan leader said he had fought for four decades to give shape to his dream of shedding political authority and was finally “proud and happy” that he handed over legitimate authority to elected representatives.

“I am in a semi retirement position. Every community is mature enough to choose their own leaders. I changed a tradition which has been there for four centuries. What was started by the 5th Dalai Lama was ended by the 14th Dalai Lama i.e. me. I am happy and proud,” he said.

The Dalai Lama denounced violence as an instrument to solve any issue, such as the Jammu and Kashmir issue or any problems in the country’s north east.

In his 90-minute speech, the Dalai Lama lamented that the Myanmar government had not listened to his views on the violence against Muslims in that country and said his efforts to get in touch with pro-democracy icon Aung Sang Suu Kyi had failed.