French president may boycott Olympics opening
PARIS (AP) - March 25, 2008 Asked whether he supported a boycott, Sarkozy said he could
"not close the door to any possibility." A spokesman for the
president said Sarkozy was referring to a possible snub of the Aug.
8 opening ceremony.
"Our Chinese friends must understand the worldwide concern that
there is about the question of Tibet, and I will adapt my response
to the evolutions in the situation that will come, I hope, as
rapidly as possible," the president said during a visit with a
military regiment in southwest France.
Sarkozy also said he had told Chinese President Hu Jintao of his
concern, asking for restraint, dialogue and the end of violence in
Tibet.
Sarkozy also disclosed contacts between his office and that of
the Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader.
"I have an envoy who spoke to the authorities who are closest
to the Dalai Lama," Sarkozy said. "I want dialogue to begin, and
I will gauge my response on the response that the Chinese
authorities give."
Violent protests in Tibet, the most serious challenge in almost
two decades to China's rule in the region, are forcing human rights
campaigners to re-examine their approach to the Aug. 8-24 Olympic
Games.
Sarkozy has come under increasing pressure to take a stance on
the violence, especially after a Paris-based press freedom group,
Reporters Without Borders, last week appealed for an opening
ceremony boycott by heads of state and government, as well as
royalty.
