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 06 July 2008 21:43 BST

Clinton calls for Bush to boycott Olympic opening ceremony

Monday, 07 Apr 2008 20:03
Hillary Clinton has called for a boycott of the Olympic opening ceremony
Hillary Clinton has called for US president George Bush to boycott the opening ceremony at the Beijing Olympics this summer.

The New York senator, who is currently campaigning to become the Democrat candidate to replace Mr Bush as president, called for the boycott following China's reaction to violence in Tibet and its stance on Darfur.

"The violent clashes in Tibet and the failure of the Chinese government to use its full leverage with Sudan to stop the genocide in Darfur are opportunities for presidential leadership," Ms Clinton said in a written statement issued today.

"These events underscore why I believe the Bush administration has been wrong to downplay human rights in its policy towards China. At this time, and in light of recent events, I believe president Bush should not plan on attending the opening ceremonies in Beijing, absent major changes by the Chinese government."

Ms Clinton however was clear to point out that she was not calling for an outright boycott of the Olympics by American athletes.

"Americans will stand strong in support of freedom of religious and political expression and human rights. Americans will also stand strong and root for the success of American athletes who have worked hard and earned the right to compete in the Olympic Games of 2008," she said.

The Olympics, set to begin in Beijing on August 8th, have been surrounded by massive controversy and recently demonstrations have broken out in London and Paris as the Olympic torch attempts to make its way from Athens to China's capital.End of story


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