Tibetans to frame rules for new political leader

The Tibetan parliament-in-exile decided Monday to form a committee to ensure a smooth transition after the Dalai Lama's resignation from politics.

The committee will decide a timeframe for a new premier to take over political responsibilities from the Tibetan holy man, said Karma Yeshi, a Tibetan lawmaker.

The parliament-in-exile, meeting in the northern Indian town of Dharmsala, decided the committee will examine constitutional changes to grant more powers to the prime minister and decide on the future role of the Dalai Lama.

The 76-year-old Nobel Peace laureate has said he will continue to be the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader.

"The committee will prepare its report by April 23 and the parliament will discuss it. If further debate is necessary, parliament will meet again in May," Yeshi said.

The Dalai Lama - who is vilified by China as scheming for Tibetan independence - announced his decision to resign on the March 10 anniversary of a failed 1959 uprising against Chinese rule in his Himalayan homeland that sent him into exile.

Despite pleas from the Tibetan community that he reconsider, the Dalai Lama has been adamant that the elected prime minister should take over as head of government.

On Sunday, some 85,000 registered Tibetans in exile - 11,000 of them in Dharmsala - began a previously scheduled, monthlong election for a new prime minister that increased in importance when the Dalai Lama resigned.