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Dalai Lama Formally Gives Up Political Powers


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