Council Member Wants U.S. To Pressure China on Tibet

America should withdraw from the Beijing Olympics if China does not grant independence to Tibet, a City Council member who is a likely 2009 mayoral candidate, Tony Avella is arguing.

"That's the only thing that will make them do anything — international pressure," Mr. Avella said in an interview. "There comes a time where you have to look at how the United States is presented across the world, and I think we have to stand up for the right thing to do."

Tibet has been ruled by China for more than five decades, and human rights groups have accused China of using brutal measures to enforce control over the region, leading to protests by Tibetan exiles and international activists that have stretched for decades. Mr. Avella, who will attend a rally today in Manhattan commemorating the anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan uprising against China, is introducing a resolution demanding that New York City-based corporate sponsors boycott the 2008 Olympics. The resolution also calls for the International Olympic Committee to move the games from Beijing, a demand Mr. Avella says is "symbolic."

China's role as host of the Olympics has been a source of tremendous pride for the rising world power, but also a magnet for criticism of the country's foreign policy. Last month, film director Steven Spielberg left his position as a consultant for the games in response to the country's ties to the Sudanese government, and in January, Charles, Prince of Wales, said he would not attend the Olympics as a protest against China's treatment of Tibet. Democracy activists in Burma have asked that the world skip the games to pressure China to drop its support for Burma's military regime. America boycotted the 1980 Moscow Olympics to protest the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan, but President Bush said in an interview with the BBC last month that he would attend the games this year.

The Olympics have drawn the attention of other local politicians, who have written resolutions and attended protests against China. Last month, Council Member Simcha Felder, a likely comptroller candidate in 2009, said he supported an Olympic boycott over Chinese arms sales to Sudan, and he urged American athletes who did attend to "embarrass" China by directly protesting the government at the games.

Another council member, Eric Gioia, a likely candidate for public advocate in 2009, introduced a resolution last year calling on corporate sponsors to drop support for Olympics, also due to China's involvement in Sudan.

With the Beijing Olympics five months away, a number of prominent figures have protested China's government and some have even called for a boycott of the games.

Bill Richardson, governor of new Mexico: Suggested America consider boycotting the games if China did not take action to improve the situation in Sudan.

Maxine Waters, congresswoman of California: Introduced a congressional resolution calling for a boycott of the games because of Sudan.

Prince Charles, Duke of Cornwall: Has said he will not attend the Olympics as a show of support for Tibet's independence movement.

Mia Farrow, actress: Called on television sponsors and on Steven Spielberg to withdraw from what she calls the "Genocide Olympics."

Steven Spielberg, director: Left his position as an "artistic consultant" to the games and urged China to do more to pressure the Sudanese government to end the genocide in Darfur.

Richard Gere, actor: Called for a boycott of the games in protest of China's Tibet policy.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu: Called for a boycott unless China moves to end the genocide in Darfur.

Paul McCartney, musician: Said he would not perform in China or attend the Olympics in protest of the country's use of dogs and cats for fur.