Sydney - Dalai Lama speaks out about the decimation of Tibetan culture

The Dalai Lama, currently visiting Australia, says he's likely be arrested when he returns to his Chinese-controlled homeland.
Not surprisingly the spiritual leader's visit has sparked a lively public opinion debate, after Australian political leaders have tried to avoid meeting with him not to displease China's establishment.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports:
"Speaking in Sydney this morning on the last leg of an 11-day tour of Australia, the 71-year-old nobel peace laureate said Tibetan culture faced decimation within 15 years unless pressure can be exerted on China to accept Tibetan autonomy.
The Dalai Lama said he was a surprisingly popular figure among some ordinary Chinese, but was considered an enemy of the state by the Chinese Government.
He accused China of distorting Tibet’s modest claims for autonomy and of mistaking it as a push for independence.
Despite decades of so far fruitless diplomatic negotiations, the Dalai Lama said he remained hopeful, even optimistic, that China would change its attitude to Tibet within his lifetime."