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Biting words Paris' bid chief criticizes Beijing's human rights
PARIS (AP) -- The head of Paris' bid for the 2008 Olympics lashed out at front-runner Beijing in an interview published Friday, citing China's human rights record and suggesting it contradicted the Games' charter. Claude Bebear, in a rare attack by one Olympics aspirant on another, suggested that Beijing did not deserve to become the host city for the games. "'You can do business with everybody, but you can play only with gentlemen,'" Bebear said, quoting former U.S. President John F. Kennedy in an interview with French sports daily L'Equipe. "The question of ethics is fundamental," Bebear said. "If you read the Olympic charter closely, you'll find on nearly every line a reference to human rights." Bebear also cited "political uncertainty" in China and problems of pollution in Beijing. He did not spell out human rights issues that have shadowed Beijing's candidacy. Critics who oppose Beijing's bid have cited the 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Tiananmen Square as an example of China's intolerance of political dissent. Bebear faces a money-laundering investigation in France in his role as chief executive of French insurance group Axa, and said he would have resigned as head of Paris' Olympics bid committee had he been asked to do so. "If the people who had confidence in me to lead this candidacy had asked me, I would have resigned immediately," Bebear said. "I told them that if my presence had become negative for Paris, then I would leave." Last week, Bebear, was placed under formal investigation -- one step short of being charged -- on allegations of "aggravated money laundering" at Axa. He has also been questioned in a larger inquiry into PanEuroLife, a life insurer suspected of having collaborated in tax evasion by funneling money from France to Luxembourg. Bebear said he did not believe that the money-laundering probe was detrimental to Paris' candidacy. The International Olympic Committee will select the winner of the 2008 games in Moscow on July 13. Five cities are bidding to host the games. However, Beijing is considered the favorite, ahead of Toronto and Paris. Istanbul, Turkey and Osaka, Japan, are considered trailing candidates.
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