The New Nation - Internet Edition

Agency, Dharmasala

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has accused the Dalai Lama of masterminding the recent days of demonstrations against Chinese rule in Tibet's capital, Lhasa.

Wen said the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader's claim of "cultural genocide" was "nothing but lies".

The Dalai Lama denied he was behind the unrest and said he would resign from the government-in-exile if it worsened. China says 13 people were killed by rioters in Lhasa. Tibetan exiles say at least 80 protesters died.

The protests began on 10 March - the anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule - and gradually escalated, culminating in a day of violence late last week.

If things are getting out of control, then the option is to completely resign

Wen defended China's handling of the violence, accusing protesters of robbery, arson and violence. He said Tibetan exiles had instigated the violence. "There is ample fact and plenty of evidence proving this incident was organised, premeditated, masterminded and incited by the Dalai clique," he said.

"This has all the more revealed the consistent claims by the Dalai clique that they pursue not independence, but peaceful dialogue, are nothing but lies."

The Dalai Lama, who in 1989 was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his consistent opposition to the use of violence, has repeatedly called for dialogue with China.

Speaking from Dharamsala in northern India, he said his message to Tibetans was to refrain from violence. He said he would step down as leader of the government-in-exile if the violence in his homeland worsened.

"If things are getting out of control, then the option is to completely resign," he said. "This movement is beyond our control."

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang has said the Dalai Lama should be put on trial for his role in the unrest.

The Dalai Lama responded by saying: "Investigate thoroughlyt if you want to start investigating from here you are most welcome. Check our various offices."

He denounced the violence and reaffirmed that he wanted autonomy for Tibet within China, but not outright independence, which he said was "out of the question".

"It is wrong. Don't commit violence, it is not good. Violence is against human nature," he said. "We should not develop anti-Chinese feelings. We must live together side by side."

The spiritual leader accused the Chinese of distorting the number of casualties but could not give his own figure.