Japan temple rejects torch

A major Buddhist temple has withdrawn from plans to host Japan's opening stage of the Olympic torch relay.

Zenkoji Temple, in the city of Nagano, had been due to serve as the starting point for the parade on 26 April. An official said the monks were worried about safety but also linked the decision to concern over recent unrest in Tibet.

Meanwhile the torch has arrived in Thailand in preparation for a parade through the capital city, Bangkok. The relay has been dogged by protests over Tibet, with chaotic scenes in London, Paris and San Francisco.

What more do they need to understand that Tibet must be free?

Obama calls for Beijing boycott

Barack Obama has called on US President George W Bush to boycott the opening of the Beijing Olympics if China fails to improve its human rights record.

The Democratic presidential hopeful made his call a day after a similar appeal by his rival, Hillary Clinton. The US stage of the Olympic torch relay passed off amid confusion and tight security in San Francisco on Wednesday.

The route was totally changed at the last minute and the closing ceremony took place on a motorway fly-over. Throughout the route, the torch-bearers were immersed in a cocoon of security, surrounded by dozens of police officers and track-suited Chinese guards.

Is it just me or has anybody else notice that this man makes announcement that he knows will bring controversy and votes after he makes sure that a lot of voices have said the same from all the sides?

Sarkozy aide 'misquoted'

Pity, because I don’t misquote when I read all these things going on in Tibet! Bloody petit policies; did the Chinese promised to buy airplanes from France?

France's human rights minister has denied setting conditions for President Nicolas Sarkozy's attendance at the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony. Rama Yade said Le Monde newspaper had misquoted her as listing "conditions" for Mr. Sarkozy's presence at the event. "The word 'conditions' was never used," she said. Le Monde stood by its story.

Ms Yade had been quoted as saying Mr. Sarkozy would miss the event unless China freed political prisoners and agreed to talk to the Dalai Lama. Le Monde had quoted Ms Yade as saying: "Three conditions are essential for him to attend: an end to violence against the population and the liberation of political prisoners; light shed on the events in Tibet; and the opening of a dialogue with the Dalai Lama."

And he people of Tibet continue ...misquote and let’s hope that somebody will have the balls to say something and mean it!