Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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July 9, 2008

French President Decides to Attend Olympics 
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1D0C2D3:A6F02AD83191E16064BA23034F8DB0A7C030207A0BD70133&
 
Nicolas Sarkozy confirms intention during meeting with Chinese President
on sidelines of G8 summit 
Nicolas Sarkozy French President Nicolas Sarkozy has decided to attend
the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, despite an earlier threat
to boycott the event over China's crackdown on protests in Tibet.Mr.
Sarkozy's office said Wednesday the French leader confirmed his
intention to take part in the August eighth ceremony during a meeting
with Chinese President Hu Jintao on the sidelines of the G8 summit in
Japan.Mr. Sarkozy indicated earlier this year he might boycott the
ceremony following China's crackdown on Tibetan protests.Last week, Mr.
Sarkozy said his decision would depend on progress in talks between
representatives of the Dalai Lama and Chinese officials.U.S. President
George Bush is also set to attend the opening ceremony in Beijing,
despite calls from some U.S. lawmakers and activists for a boycott. The
White House announced his attendance last week.On Tuesday, China's
ambassador to France warned Mr. Sarkozy against meeting with Tibet's
exiled spiritual lea!
 der, the Dalai Lama.Ambassador Kong Quan told reporters that a meeting
during the Dalai Lama's visit to France next month would have serious
consequences.Earlier this year, Chinese demonstrators gathered in major
cities to express anger over the disruption of the Olympic torch relay
in Paris - and France's alleged support for Tibetan independence.China
routinely protests meetings between world leaders and the Dalai Lama,
whom Beijing says is working for Tibetan independence.The Dalai Lama has
repeatedly said that he is seeking autonomy, not independence for
Tibet.In March, anti-government protests in Tibet turned violent,
prompting Beijing to close off the territory, conduct mass arrests, and
restrict movements.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.


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