Clinton calls on Bush to Boycott Olympics Opening Ceremony

From CBS News' Fernando Suarez:

WASHINGTON -- Hillary Clinton called on President Bush to boycott the opening ceremony at the Olympics in Beijing.

In a written statement Clinton says, “The violent clashes in Tibet and the failure of the Chinese government to use its full leverage with Sudan to stop the genocide in Darfur are opportunities for Presidential leadership. These events underscore why I believe the Bush Administration has been wrong to downplay the human rights in its policy towards China. At this time, and in light of recent events, I believe President Bush should not plan on attending the opening ceremonies in Beijing, absent major changes by the Chinese government.”

Two weeks ago at a press conference in Greensburg, Pa., Clinton voiced her concern over the current political situation in Tibet and told reporters the situation there “is deeply troubling.” But Clinton stopped short of calling for a boycott saying, “Let’s wait on that, I don’t have an opinion about that.”

Clinton joins other leaders in her party who have called for a boycott; most recently Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., told ABC News last week, “I think boycotting the opening ceremony which really gives respect to the Chinese government, is something that should be kept on the table.”