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May 13, 2008 8:05:29 AM CDT

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Beijing Blasts Torch Protests  

Posted Apr 7, 08 8:28 PM CDT in Sports,  World    Most Covered

(newser) – Today China denounced the protests that have disrupted Olympic torch relays in London and Paris over the past 2 days, Reuters reports. "The despicable activities tarnish the lofty Olympic spirit," a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said. She also denied media reports that "the Olympic torch was forced to be extinguished during its relay in Paris."

"We express our strong condemnation of the deliberate disruption of the Olympic torch relay by 'Tibetan independence' separatist forces, who gave no thought to the Olympic spirit or the laws of Britain and France," she said. The torch will arrive Wednesday in San Francisco, where protests have already begun. Paris police reportedly extinguished the flame 5 times today during massive pro-Tibet rallies.

Source Reuters

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Beijing Blasts Torch Protests
China has denounced protests in London and Paris, claiming "the despicable activities tarnish the lofty Olympic spirit," and denying reports that the torch was extinguished during its relay in France.   (AP Photo/Patrick Kovarik, pool)
Beijing Blasts Torch Protests
China has denounced protests in London and Paris, claiming "the despicable activities tarnish the lofty Olympic spirit," and denying reports that the torch was extinguished during its relay in France.   (AP Photo/ Martin Cleaver)
Beijing Blasts Torch Protests
China has denounced protests in London and Paris, claiming "the despicable activities tarnish the lofty Olympic spirit," and denying reports that the torch was extinguished during its relay in France.   (AP Photo/Patrick Kovarik, pool)
Beijing Blasts Torch Protests
Two-time French judo gold medalist David Douillet carries the Olympic torch, Monday, April 7, 2008 during its relay through Paris.   (AP Photo/Patrick Kovarik, Pool)
Beijing Blasts Torch Protests
Officials light the Olympic Torch at the start of the relay on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Monday, April 7, 2008.   (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
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China  • Great Britain  • France  • 2008 Beijing Olympics  • London  • Tibet  • Olympic torch  • Paris  • Tibetan independence  • Olympic protests


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