Fanning the Olympic flames

As Chinese President Hu Jintao marked the official start of the global Olympic torch relay in Beijing's Tian'anmen Square on Monday, many nations, including the Baltics, have expressed concern regarding human rights breaches in Tibet.

Latvian President Valdis Zatlers had planned to visit Beijing for the summer 2008 games, but is now unsure, although he encourages Latvian athletes to participate.

"I believe that the Tibet issue should be solved peacefully and this is China's chance to show the good will and make one step forward as protest campaigns will be held for the whole Olympic torch relay," said Zatlers. "I am seriously considering the decision as I have dual feelings -- support to athletes and condemnation for China."

The President of the Latvian Olympic Committee (LOC) Aldons Vrublevskis speaking at the LOC General Assembly earlier said the question of a boycott was a political issue and not a matter of sports, but ruled out the possibility that Latvia might boycott the 2008 Games.

"A political decision to boycott the games would only hurt athletes and would not benefit anybody," the sports official said.

Latvian Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins said that Latvian top state officials might change their stance and not visit the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Latvian parliament sports subcommittee lawmakers are also supporting the athletes.

Committee head Dzintars Abikis said that "boycott never leads to anything positive." He also went on to say that the participation of politicians should be separated from the participation of the sportsmen in the games, although the events in Tibet should definalty be condemned.

The center-right opposition party New Era representative Inguna Ribena stated that neither the athletes nor officials should participate in the Olympics, showing support for Tibet, which is a "pearl at the Chinese uniform" and condemning the politics implemented by China. She underscored that the events in Tibet are much more important than "some games taking place here or there."

The Olympic Games in the Chinese capital city of Beijing are to begin on August 8. Over 20 Latvian athletes have already won the rights to take part in the international sporting event, and the delegation is still expected to grow, as qualification in many kinds of sports is still continuing. The number of athletes in the Latvian delegation may exceed 50.