China’s foreign minister Yang Jiechi said Wednesday that human rights groups that cite the Beijing Games in their criticisms of the Chinese government were violating the Olympic charter, reports Strait Times.
He said China was willing to work with those who bring constructive criticisms and suggestions on how to do a better job of holding the Olympic Games this August.
Speaking at a news conference Yang said, “we welcome suggestions and criticisms offered out of goodwill”, adding that those who “want to tarnish the image of China…they will never get their way.
“I want to say, that not to politicize the Olympic Games is required by the Olympic charter. For those people who attack China, they often talk about the importance of laws and regulations. Then why are they violating the Olympic charter”?
Yang said that despite criticisms, the international community and foreign leaders were broadly supportive of the Beijing Games. They have demonstrated profound friendship to the Chinese people”.
