Bush criticizes China, Saudi, Iran on rights

By - Reuters
Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - Web Link
Send this news item to a Friend
Sign-up for Daily News Updates

July 14, 2008

President George W. Bush on Monday criticized China, Saudi Arabia and Iran on religious freedoms, but said progress had been made in some countries, including Vietnam.

Bush in deciding to attend the opening ceremonies at the Beijing Olympics next month rejected calls by human rights groups to boycott the start of the summer games as a statement about abuses in China.

Bush, who met Chinese President Hu Jintao last week on the sidelines of the Group of Eight summit, has said he would discuss human rights with the Chinese leader.

"In my message to President Hu Jintao, when I last met him, was this: 'So long as there are those who want to fight for their liberty, the United States stands with them,'" Bush said in marking the 10th anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act.

"And we also honor the courage of the Dalai Lama and the Buddhists in Tibet," he said.

A deadly riot erupted in Tibet in March and triggered a government crackdown that led to protests that followed the international leg of the Olympic torch relay.

China has accused the Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, and his followers of plotting the riots to sabotage the Olympics. The Dalai Lama has denied the charge.

Bush also cited Saudi Arabia and Iran.