Harper to skip Beijing Olympics opening ceremonies
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Whew... finally he has a decision. We have been asking for months if Harper would go to Beijing... Jason Kenney gave us a "ha ha ha" and David Emerson said "ask the PMO". Definitely the Tibet riot helps Harper confirm his mind.
Globe and Mail - Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he won't attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, although he insists it is not a reaction to public pressure to skip the event in protest against China's crackdown on Tibet.
But speaking in Romania yesterday, the Prime Minister criticized China's human-rights record, saying the country must realize that its growing might - combined with playing host to the Olympics - has prompted greater scrutiny of its domestic policies.
"I would continue to urge China to respect human rights and peaceful protests not just in Tibet but everywhere," Mr. Harper said at a NATO summit.
"I would also encourage the government of China to understand that its growing wealth, its growing importance in the world and of course the profile of the Olympics will put a greater and greater spotlight on its record in this regard."
Canada will play host to the Winter Olympics in 2010 and at least one expert said Mr. Harper's decision may prompt a retaliation from the Chinese.
Others said the Prime Minister's decision not to go appears to be a protest.
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UK's Gordon Brown, Germany's Angela Merkel and now Canada's Stephen Harper. Nicolas Sarkozy is on queue to join the wagon.
PEOPLE! This is the time to use this instance to unite our people to one cause: Boycott western media and products during the month of the Olympics!
Hello,
May I suggest a link related to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games?
Our site:
URL: http://www.2008chinaolympics.com
Title: Beijing Olympics
Please let me know if you want a link back.
Many thanks for your reply.
Best Regards,
Don
chinaolympics8@gmail.com
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