DHARMSALA (AP): Delegates say Tibetan leaders debating how to advance their struggle for freedom have agreed to continue following the Dalai Lama's path of compromise with China.

The Tibetan spiritual leader has followed a ``middle path'' in which he has sought substantial local autonomy for Tibet to protect its unique Buddhist culture, rather than independence from China.

Tenzin Tsundue, a poet and participant in the meeting, says the leaders agreed Saturday to continue with the middle path policy.

He says the stance will be reviewed at some point in the future if China persists in not granting the region autonomy.

A formal announcement of the meeting's outcome was expected later Saturday.