2008 Woodie Awards
Brown and Sarkozy meet to discuss possible boycott of opening ceremony
By: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Issue date: 3/28/08 Section: Sports
LONDON - French President Nicolas Sarkozy ended his state visit Thursday by stressing he could boycott the Beijing Olympics' opening ceremony, striking a rare note of conflict with his hosts after two days of pomp, ceremony and promises of a new era of cooperation.
Sarkozy and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown showcased their friendship during the French leader's 36-hour trip, sealing a multibillion-dollar defense deal, vowing to jointly press the United States on climate change and to curb the spread of nuclear weapons technology.
Sarkozy said he and Brown had worked "hand in glove" since they both took office last year, but acknowledged they are divided over a possible Olympics boycott to punish China for its crackdown on Tibetans, an idea that the French leader first raised early in the week.
"I reserve the right to say whether I will attend," Sarkozy said at a news conference at London's Emirates soccer stadium.
He said that because France will hold the rotating presidency of the European Union during the Beijing Olympics this summer, he must consult with the rest of the 27-member bloc before making a decision. France takes the presidency on July 1.
Brown insisted Britain will not boycott the Olympics. He plans to attend the closing ceremony and to carry out ceremonial duties, because London is host for the 2012 Olympics.
It was a rare point of discord. Sarkozy offered an effusive speech Wednesday to a joint sitting of the House of Commons and House of Lords praising Britain's role in countering the threat of fascism in Europe.
Following the leaders' talks at the soccer arena Thursday, Airbus parent company EADS said it had reached an agreement to sell air tankers to Britain's military in a deal worth up to $26.4 billion.
EADS signed a $35 billion contract to build refueling tankers for the U.S. Air Force last month.
In a joint communiqué, the leaders vowed to establish a system of "nuclear fuel assurances to reduce the proliferation risks" of the spread of nuclear technology.
Sarkozy and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown showcased their friendship during the French leader's 36-hour trip, sealing a multibillion-dollar defense deal, vowing to jointly press the United States on climate change and to curb the spread of nuclear weapons technology.
Sarkozy said he and Brown had worked "hand in glove" since they both took office last year, but acknowledged they are divided over a possible Olympics boycott to punish China for its crackdown on Tibetans, an idea that the French leader first raised early in the week.
"I reserve the right to say whether I will attend," Sarkozy said at a news conference at London's Emirates soccer stadium.
He said that because France will hold the rotating presidency of the European Union during the Beijing Olympics this summer, he must consult with the rest of the 27-member bloc before making a decision. France takes the presidency on July 1.
Brown insisted Britain will not boycott the Olympics. He plans to attend the closing ceremony and to carry out ceremonial duties, because London is host for the 2012 Olympics.
It was a rare point of discord. Sarkozy offered an effusive speech Wednesday to a joint sitting of the House of Commons and House of Lords praising Britain's role in countering the threat of fascism in Europe.
Following the leaders' talks at the soccer arena Thursday, Airbus parent company EADS said it had reached an agreement to sell air tankers to Britain's military in a deal worth up to $26.4 billion.
EADS signed a $35 billion contract to build refueling tankers for the U.S. Air Force last month.
In a joint communiqué, the leaders vowed to establish a system of "nuclear fuel assurances to reduce the proliferation risks" of the spread of nuclear technology.
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