China used Olympics as a catalyst for human rights abuses: HRW

New York: A leading international human rights watchdog says that the Beijing Olympics has put an end to the notion that the games are a "force for good" as it has resulted in setting back the clock with regards to respect for human rights in China.
In a statement ahead of closing ceremony, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) says it has monitored and documented "extensive human rights violations" directly linked to preparation and hosting of the games.
"The Chinese government's hosting of the Games has been a catalyst for abuses, leading to massive forced evictions, a surge in the arrest, detention, and harassment of critics, repeated violations of media freedom and increased political repression," said Asia advocacy director of HRW Sophie Richardson.
In addition, the International Olympic Committee has failed to ensure that the government fulfilled those pledges.
"Not a single world leader who attended the Games or members of the IOC seized the opportunity to challenge the Chinese government's behaviour in any meaningful way," Sophie added.

source: www.mid-day.com

China warns Dalai not to disrupt Games

BEIJING: China on Monday said the Dalai Lama should do nothing that would result in disruption of the Olympic Games next month if he really wanted to continue the dialogue for settlement of the Tibet problem. The Tibetan leader must prove his sincerity about solving the problem with his deeds and not merely his words, a government spokesman said. These demands were conveyed by United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China officials, Lodi Gyari and Kelsang Gyaltsen, Du Qinglin, to representatives of the Dalai at their recent talks. The Tibetan leader has been asked to refrain from backing any of the arguments made in favour of splitting China to create an independent Tibet. The Dalai Lama should openly and explicitly promise and prove it in his actions not to support activities to disturb the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games, Chinese leaders said. He should also not back any plot to spread criminal activities in the name of Tibetan independence, the Chinese leaders said. "The door for dialogue is always open and contacts will make positive moves as long as the Dalai Lama suits his actions with his words and truly practices the four 'not-to-supports'," the UFWD spokesman said.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/Dont_disrupt_Games_China_to_Dalai/articleshow/3208630.cms

Games a new start for China

BEIJING, July 9 -- China can host a high-level Olympic Games successfully even after the devastating earthquake that jolted southwestern Sichuan province and neighboring regions on May 12, says an article in People's Daily. The following is an excerpt:
The massive disaster was a major test for China and the country passed it splendidly.
The quake will not batter the determination of 1.3 billion people to host a successful Olympics, nor will it fail the expectation of the Chinese nation to realize the century-old dream.
The Beijing Olympics will be a brand new start for the Chinese nation and the 1.3 billion Chinese people are opening their arms to welcome all the friends of the world to come.
The Games will enable China and the rest of the world to enhance mutual understanding, seek common ground and promote cooperation.
The questions, misunderstandings and rejections that the nation may face along the road will not hamper its sincere intention to communicate with the world.
China's joining the Olympic family is closely connected with the process of its reform and opening up, its rapid development and modernization, and its pursuit of a higher-level civilization and contribution to the world peace.
We will give warm applauses to all the players participating in the Games as it is more important to participate in the Olympics than to win and we will safeguard fairness and justice during the Games, sharing the honor of the Olympic spirit with the world. The 100,000 volunteers, 400,000 city volunteers and 1 million social volunteers will provide good services to guests from all over the world, getting joy and friendship through contributions to the Games.

Beijing has been making a final push for a successful Olympics in order to satisfy the international community, the players and the people.
(Source: China Daily)