"For the past 20 years I have been asking not for the independence of Tibet, but for genuine autonomy or self-government," the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists told reporters here.

When asked about possibility of talks with Chinese authorities, he said he has had both positive and negative signs, but that "this is not the best moment" for discussions with Beijing.

The Dalai Lama's comments to reporters came ahead of a meeting Thursday with Argentine legislators during a four-day visit here.

China has said it was ready to talk with him if he agreed not to advocate independence, an overture which angered radical Tibetan exiles who accuse the Dalai Lama of making too many concessions to China.

The Dalai Lama, who heads a government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India, fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against the Chinese regime.

His private plane touched down here late Wednesday at Ezeiza airport after carrying him from Brazil, where he met informally with Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso and addressed the Brazilian Senate.

The recipient of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize was also to meet Eduardo Duhalde, the governor of Buenos Aires province and a presidential contender, before giving a speech on "Globalization and Human Rights" at the National University of La Plata, 60 kilometers (37 miles) southeast of here.

Friday, as Honorary Guest of the City of Buenos Aires, the Dalai Lama was to meet with various church officials and to speak on "Science and Religion" at the University of Buenos Aires' Medical Department.

He was also to receive an honorary doctorate from the university's Law Department, where he was to speak on "Ethics and the Professions."

Speeches by the Dalai Lama over the weekend, before his departure for Chile Sunday, will focus on "Individual Peace and Happiness in a Globalized World" and "Wisdom and Compassion, the Essence of the Teaching of Buddha."

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Last updated: 9-April-99