Calls for an Olympic Boycott Hypocritical

The Dalai Lama - who many Tibetans regard as their spiritual leader - said that China deserved to host the Games, but that protesters had the right to express themselves in non-violent ways.

The Dalai Lama's message of support for the Beijing Olympics is lost in the spotlight of pro-Tibet and Tibet separatists protest during the Olympic Torch Relay.

The IOC and national Olympic leaders finished a week of meetings in Beijing and many will fly back to their homes in deep thought.

IOC president Jacques Rogge conceded that the Olympic movement is facing a crisis ,but he remains resolute and has urged NOCs not to lose faith assuring them that the movement will weather the storm and rebound.

Reports suggest that there were sharp differences of opinions on how and to what degree the IOC should respond.The eventual statement coming out from the IOC and ANOC joint meeting sought not to offend China.

That reality should surprise no one.The selection process and vote to award Beijing the 2008 Olympic Games would not have been made lightly.In hindsight some are now calling it idealistic and naive.

Commenting after the Beijing meetings,TTOC Secretary General Brian Lewis said that Calls for a boycott of the Beijing Olympics are hypocritical .

"China is a major trading partner and investor in the world economy.Why are there no calls for trade or financial boycotts.China was awarded the games seven years ago.Why the silence all these years?".

TTOC president Larry Romany asserts that the TTOC stands firm in its support of Beijing but both offcials however acknowledge that recent events have shaken the Olympic movement.

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