China accused over Tibet protests

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He called for Tibet to be opened up to international observers so the full extent of the violent crackdown against protesters can be exposed.

Speaking from India, where he leads the government in exile he said: "Some respected international organisation can find out what the situation is in Tibet and what is the cause ... Whether intentionally or unintentionally, some kind of cultural genocide is taking place."

The crackdown against protests by Buddhist monks has led to 80 deaths, according to reports from the regional capital, Lhasa. Chinese state media put the number of dead at 10.

Tseng Tashi, spokesman for the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile told Sky News the international presence in Tibet was needed because of fears for the safety of the people.

He called on the international community, the UN and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to urge the Chinese to back down.

"We very much fear for the safety and well-being of all the Tibetan people who have been imprisoned," he said. "We would like the international community, the IOC and the UN, to impress upon the Chinese government the need to ... respect the Tibetan people."

He said the Tibetan government in exile was not calling for independence from China nor for a boycott of the Olympics. Instead he urged the Chinese to return to negotiations with the Dalai Lama's representatives over regional devolution.

March is a traditional flashpoint in Tibet as pro-independence groups remember the anniversary of the Dalai Lama being sent in to exile. They accuse the Chinese government of flooding Tibet with ethnic Chinese deliberately to change its racial constitution.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said he is "very concerned" about the situation in Tibet. The Dalai Lama is due to visit the UK later this year. Downing Street said no decision had been made on whether he would meet the PM.