(AP) - The Dalai Lama says he will step down if violence by Tibetans in his homeland spirals out of control.
Protests in Tibet turned increasingly violent last week, and the Dalai Lama is urging Tibetans to show restraint Tuesday.
The Tibetan spiritual leaders says that "if things become out of control," his "only option is to completely resign."
The Lhasa protests, led by monks, began peacefully March 10 on the anniversary of a failed 1959 uprising against Chinese rule. But they grew increasingly violent, culminating Friday with widespread street violence. Chinese officials say 16 people were killed, but the Tibetan government-in-exile put the toll at 80.