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French head will attend Olympics Sarkozy decides to go to Olympics
(about 3 hours later)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has confirmed that he will attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics on 8 August.French President Nicolas Sarkozy has confirmed that he will attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics on 8 August.
He was speaking after meeting Chinese President Hu Jintao at the G8 summit.He was speaking after meeting Chinese President Hu Jintao at the G8 summit.
President Hu stressed "the Olympic values of peace, friendship and brotherhood", according to a statement from Mr Sarkozy's office.
There had been speculation that the French President would stay away in protest over Chinese actions in Tibet.There had been speculation that the French President would stay away in protest over Chinese actions in Tibet.
Human rights' groups have urged world leaders to register their disapproval by refusing to attend the Beijing ceremony. France currently holds the European Union presidency, and President Sarkozy will represent the 27-nation bloc at the ceremony in Beijing.
Human rights' groups have urged world leaders to register their disapproval by refusing to attend.
Reporters Without Borders has said that Mr Sarkozy would pour "scorn on his commitments to the French people", if he went to Beijing.Reporters Without Borders has said that Mr Sarkozy would pour "scorn on his commitments to the French people", if he went to Beijing.
EU representativeEU representative
President Sarkozy stressed "the Olympic values of peace, friendship and brotherhood" at the meeting, according to a statement from the president's office.
Mr Sarkozy had previously urged the Chinese leadership to hold talks with envoys of the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, and release political prisoners.Mr Sarkozy had previously urged the Chinese leadership to hold talks with envoys of the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, and release political prisoners.
But the French announcement of Mr Sarkozy's acceptance of the Olympic invitation made no mention of the Dalai Lama.But the French announcement of Mr Sarkozy's acceptance of the Olympic invitation made no mention of the Dalai Lama.
Mr Sarkozy said he had discussed his decision with other European Union countries.Mr Sarkozy said he had discussed his decision with other European Union countries.
France currently holds the EU presidency, and President Sarkozy will represent the 27-nation bloc in Beijing.
US President George W Bush has said he will attend the Olympic opening, but Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel and Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper plan to stay away.US President George W Bush has said he will attend the Olympic opening, but Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel and Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper plan to stay away.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown will not be present on 8 August, but plans to attend the closing ceremony.British Prime Minister Gordon Brown will not be present on 8 August, but plans to attend the closing ceremony.