Darfur coalition ‘disappointed’ by Bush’s decision on Olympics

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The president of the Save Darfur Coalition expressed ‘deep disappointment’ with President Bush’s decision to attend the Beijing Olympics opening ceremonies.

‘We are deeply disappointed that President Bush announced today that he’s attending the Olympic opening ceremonies,’ said Jerry Fowler in a lengthy statement issued today. ‘We suspect he’s disappointed too because he carefully timed the announcement for late in the day before a holiday weekend.’

Activists and lawmakers and even some athletes had urged Bush to send a message to the Sudanese government by skipping the opening ceremonies unless the U.N.’s peacekeeping mission was fully in place in Darfur. China is seen as having particular influence on the government there.

-- Debbie Goffa