The Olympic torch relay through Tibet and to Mount Everest will not change despite recent unrest and activists' plan to sabotage the event, according to senior Tibetan officials.
Pelma Chiley, vice-chairman of the Tibetan government, said at the first overseas media tour in Tibet since the riots: 'We have obtained information that the separatist forces inside and outside China are working in collusion to sabotage the torch relay and the activities to bring the torch to the peak of Mount Everest.
'We are fully prepared and we have the resolution, confidence and capability to complete the torch relay and bring the torch to the peak.'
Mr Pelma said one of the rioters' major aims was to jeopardise the Games, but did not elaborate on what measures the government would take to ensure a smooth passage of the flame through Tibet. The Tibetan leg of the torch relay was originally planned for May.
When challenged to present evidence proving the Dalai Lama was behind the riots on March 14, he said: 'We have ample evidence. We are still collecting more evidence ... and we will tell the world in due time.'
The government has detained 414 suspects and charged 30 of them. It has also issued a wanted list of 53 people.