China sharply criticized on Thursday “odious attempts” by U.S. lawmakers to politicize the Olympics and to interfere in its internal affairs.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed on Wednesday by 419 votes to one a resolution “calling on the Government of the People”s Republic of China to immediately end abuses of the human rights of its citizens…to ensure that the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games take place in an atmosphere that honors the Olympic traditions of freedom and openness.”
Reacting to the resolution, China”s foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said in a statement that, “Despite China”s objections… the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution that reflects their malicious intent to politicize the Olympic games… and sabotage the Olympics in Beijing.”
“These measures undermine the spirit of the Olympics and do not reflect the real hopes and aspirations of the American people,” the statement continued.
U.S. President George W. Bush is among over 80 top foreign officials set to attend the opening ceremony of the 29th Summer Olympic Games, to be held from August 8-24 in Beijing.
Wednesday”s resolution called on Bush “to make a strong public statement on China”s human rights situation prior to his departure to Beijing for the Olympic Games, to make a similar statement in Beijing and meet with the families of jailed prisoners of conscience, and to seek to visit Tibet and Xinjiang while in China to attend the Olympic Games.”
