TIBET 'CALM' AHEAD OF ANNIVERSARY !

Qiangba Puncog said people were calm and confident in the government

The Chinese-appointed governor of Tibet says he does not expect major unrest around next week's 50th anniversary of a failed uprising against Chinese rule.

Qiangba Puncog said there would be no big problems in Tibet this year and that people trusted the government.

Last year, the 10 March anniversary sparked the biggest anti-China protests in Tibet for decades.

Pro-Tibetan groups say a number of incidents have already taken place in Tibetan-populated areas outside Tibet.

It is extremely difficult to independently confirm any information coming out of Tibetan areas. Foreigners are not being allowed into Tibet and access to surrounding regions is restricted.

Qiangba Puncog made his comments on the sidelines of China's annual parliament session in Beijing.

"Common people are very calm and very confident in the government and the party. Everyone feels that way," he said.

TIBET DIVIDE China says Tibet was always part of its territory Tibet enjoyed long periods of autonomy before the 20th Century 1950: China launched a military assault Opposition to Chinese rule led to a bloody uprising in 1959 Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, fled to India

He acknowledged that last year's unrest had affected Tibet's tourism industry, but said that its economy was still expected to grow by 10% in 2009.

"Only a few people are influenced by the Dalai Lama. Most people want development and to improve their lives," he said.

Campaign groups say security has been greatly increased both in and around Tibet in recent weeks.

Last year, monk-led protests on 10 March led to deadly anti-China riots in Lhasa a few days later - the worst unrest in the region for two decades.

This year's anniversary is seen as particularly sensitive, because it marks 50 years since the uprising that led to the Dalai Lama's flight from Tibet into exile in India.

BBC NEWS REPORT.