It’s official: Polish PM boycotting Olympic opening ceremony

Bravo Poland!  The BBC reports:

Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said he does not intend to go to the opening of the Olympics in August in the wake of China’s crackdown in Tibet.

In comments to the Dziennik newspaper, confirmed by his spokesman, he said Poland was a medium-sized country and was not looking to take the first step.

“But my opinion is very clear: the presence of politicians at the Games’ inauguration seems inappropriate.”

EU foreign ministers will discuss Tibet at a meeting in Slovenia on Friday.

As we previously said, the Polish people understand what it’s like to suffer under foreign occupation.  So we thank them and their prime minister for this courageous step. 

With the French President also considering a boycott, the pressure should build on President Bush and other wavering world leaders.  Their presence at the opening ceremonies would only legitimate the brutal regime in Beijing’s claim that it is a respectable power.  This cannot happen; the opening ceremony must be boycotted.



One Responseto “It’s official: Polish PM boycotting Olympic opening ceremony”

1. matapita says:

   March 28, 2008 at 10:35 am

   Please, will the athletes planning to compete in the Beijing Olympics please take the time to read, discuss, and educate yourselves about Chins’a actions in Tibet, from 50 years ago right up through today, this morning. Please. Excercise your own freedom by informing yourselves. Then please consider whether you want to contribute to the glorification of the ruthless Chinese regime, as they attempt to sweep Tibet under the rug.
2. Tibet Will Be Free » Blog Archive » EU discusses Olympic boycott over Tibet says:

   March 28, 2008 at 4:12 pm

   [...] have the courage to engage in a boycott of the opening ceremonies, for instance, the leaders of Poland and the Czech Republic are doing so.  Also, some athletes like Norwegian cyclist Thor Hushovd are [...]