China plays down protests
Tuesday, 8 April 2008China has played down the recent chaos surrounding the Beijing 2008 Olympic torch relay.
The official website for the relay blamed 'a few protesters' for carrying out 'several destructive actions' during the London leg.
The procession through the capital was disrupted by thousands of human rights campaigners demonstrating against China's human rights abuses and the occupation of Tibet. Police made 37 arrests.
The chaos continued again in Paris with French security officials cutting short the relay following more anti-Chinese protests along the route.
The official website of the torch relay issued a statement following the disruptions.
It read: 'In London, a few protesters planned and carried out several destructive actions.
'One "pro-Tibet independence" activist tried to grab the torch and another attempted to extinguish the flame when the well-known UK television presenter Konnie Huq was carrying the torch in north west London.'
The statement adds that the actions of the protesters have been widely condemned across the UK, claiming: 'Local people in London strongly opposed the attempt to sabotage the Torch Relay.
'And the behaviour of "pro-Tibet independence" activists has aroused resentment and received condemnation in London.'
People have 'extended a flame of warm welcome' to the relay, the statement continues, with the 'journey of harmony' proceeding successfully as planned.
It adds: 'The Olympic torch has received a warm welcome worldwide... in Istanbul, people wore their best outfits as they came to witness the torch relay.'
The Olympic flame was lit in Olympia, Greece, on 24 March and is due to be carried through 20 countries before arriving in Beijing for the games in August.
