Public condemns interruption of torch relay

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-08-2008 13:02

Tibet independence separatists' attempts to disrupt the Olympic torch relay were foiled by Paris police on Monday. Their activities have incited condemnations from the French public and overseas Chinese.

The torch Relay for the Beijing Olympics started in Paris at twelve thirty local time. Attempts by Tibet independence separatists to stop the second torch bearer from entering a tunnel dragged the relay process behind schedule. Some tried to disrupt the event again, this time, trying to grab the torch from the thirteenth bearer. Both attempts were foiled by police and at least 5 people were detained. The disruption of the Beijing Olympic torch relay in Paris by those supporting "Tibet independence" was harshly criticized by the French public and overseas Chinese.

The disruption of the Beijing Olympic torch relay in Paris by those supporting "Tibet independence" was harshly criticized by the French public and overseas Chinese.

A French citizen said, "I'm French. I support the Olympics and peace. I hope everyone can be happy. It's very regretful that there were interruptions. We support the Olympics and there should be no interference in China's internal affairs."

"I am here to watch the torch relay. I think this is a moment for sports. Political issues should be resolved by politics. Sports should not be involved and the torch relay should not be affected. China, good on you." said a French citizen.

The disruption of the Beijing Olympic torch relay in Paris by those supporting "Tibet independence" was harshly criticized by the French public and overseas Chinese.

An overseas Chinese student said, "We teamed up voluntarily and encountered Tibetan separatists at our first stop. We made united efforts and overshadowed them. Champs-Elysees was our first stop. We hope the torch will be run through Paris smoothly and arrive in the US safely. Tibetan separatists will never achieve their goal. We Chinese are united. Let's go, Beijing!"

The Torch Relay Center of the Beijing Olympics Organizing Committee said the methods of the relay in Paris were adjusted, considering the situations at site, to protect the safety and dignity of the sacred flame.

Editor:Zhang Ning