Violence in Tibet has leaders from other countries speaking out

French foreign minister open to boycott of Olympic opening ceremony over Tibet

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PARIS " France's Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner says the European Union should consider boycotting the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics if violence continues in Tibet.

The head of the European parliament and media watchdog Reporters Without Borders called Tuesday for an opening ceremony boycott. Kouchner said the proposal is "interesting."

Kouchner told reporters in Paris on Tuesday that the idea should be considered by EU foreign ministers at a meeting this month.

He insisted that France had no plans to boycott the entire Olympic Games, saying that would not be "just."

Dalai Lama threatens to resign if violence worsens

DHARMSALA, India " The Dalai Lama threatened Tuesday to step down as leader of Tibet's government-in-exile if violence committed by Tibetans in his homeland spirals out of control.

The rioting prompted Premier Wen Jiabao to denounce the Dalai Lama's supporters as separatists and accuse them of instigating the violence in Tibet's capital of Lhasa. It was China's highest-level response to date to the unrest.

The Dalai Lama, speaking to reporters, urged his countrymen to show restraint.

He said that "if things become out of control" his "only option is to completely resign."

Later, one of his top aides clarified the Dalai Lama's comments.

"If the Tibetans were to choose the path of violence he would have to resign because he is completely committed to nonviolence," Tenzin Taklha said. "He would resign as the political leader and head of state, but not as the Dalai Lama. He will always be the Dalai Lama."