Boycott of the Olympics Torch Relay from Paris to San Francisco?
On Monday, april 8, the Olympic Torch will pass through Paris. Seventy French athletes will carry it on a prestigious itinerary, starting from the 1st floor of the Eiffel Tower and going down the Champs Elysees, to pass under the Arch of Triumph.
But many critics have risen and many people have urged the French government to boycott at least the Opening Ceremony of the games this summer, in order to show that they disagree about the Chinese policy in Tibet.
No decisions have been taken yet, but on Monday, human rights will certainly be in the spotlights. Protests are expected on the way. Bertrand Delanoe, the socialist Mayor of Paris, has decided to display a banner on the City Hall with the following statement: “Paris defends Human Rights all over the world.” Moreover, the torch carriers will wear a pin with this message: “for a better world”.
Then , in the evening, the torch will leave the City of Lights to reach … San Francisco, another place where human rights are not taken lightly. Will it stir some protests too?
(The eiffel tower pic is from www.freefoto.com)
My name is Jackie Grandchamps. In 2003, I founded French Escapade, offering another way to travel in small groups of 8. "Don't be a tourist, be our guest" is the moto and spirit of my company.
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Through this blog, I will provide information about France, Belgium, California, (soon Italy) but also some stories from my guests on the tours.
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