We do not want separation from China: Dalai Lama

Dalai Lama today said he did not want separation from China but religious and environment freedom for his people as Beijing today demanded that US "undo the damage" done by a meeting between president Barack Obama and the Tibetan spiritual leader.

The Tibetan leader now on a visit to US said in his heart he felt love for China but was concerned about Beijing's cultural suppression in his homeland.

The Dalai Lama blamed hardliners in China for avoiding a rapprochement with Beijing. "Sometimes these hardliners policy irritates you for a short time. But still I've sort of make efforts to keep love," the Tibetan leader said in an interview to CNN.

"We do not want separation from China because Tibet is a landlocked country needs material benefits. Every Tibetan wants modernisation of his homeland. So for this reason we want to remain within China," he said.

On Chinese claims of prosperity in Tibet, the Dalai Lama said "We've received information from inside...on cultural side or religious freedom...so much suppression and control exists," he added.

The Dalai Lama conceded that his middle way approach of getting full autonomy for Tibet was taking time but he said he was not "disheartened".

Even as the Dalai Lama made conciliatory approach, China lashed out at the US, saying that Washington should undo the damage done.