Human rights issues take center stage as Olympics near

On the cusp of the Summer Olympics, human rights moved into the spotlight Wednesday as critics attacked China for banning Darfur activists, President Bush expressed "deep concerns" about the government's harsh policies and U.S. Olympians selected a former Sudanese refugee to carry the Stars and Stripes in Friday's opening ceremony.

Bush said the United States stood in "firm opposition to China's detention of political dissidents, human rights advocates and religious activists," and that his saying so was not intended "to antagonize China's leaders." His remarks were prepared for delivery today in Bangkok, Thailand, and released by the White House.

Lopez Lomong, a 1,500- meter runner who gained U.S. citizenship only 13 months ago, was named the flag-bearer in a vote by American team captains -- a move quickly seen as condemnation of China's support of the Sudanese government, which is accused of human rights violations in its war-torn Darfur region.

"It's more than a dream," Lomong, one of the so-called Lost Boys of Sudan, told the Associated Press when asked about the honor. "There are no words to describe it."

Lomong's selection came a few hours after China revoked permission to enter the country for Joey Cheek, a gold medal-winning speedskater and former flag bearer who formed Team Darfur with the support of other U.S. Olympians to raise awareness of the crisis. Co-founder Bradley Greiner, a former UCLA water polo player, and Kendra Zanotto, a U.S. bronze medalist in synchronized swimming at the Athens Games in 2004, were among group members whose visas were also revoked.

Jim Scherr, U.S. Olympic Committee chief executive, said it was "unfortunate" that Cheek would not be welcome in China but said it was "between [China's] government and Joey as a private citizen."

Also Wednesday, four American and British activists unfurled "Free Tibet" banners near the main Olympic venue, the National Stadium, and three Americans unfurled a religious banner in Tiananmen Square protesting China's population policies. The government handled both events with unusual restraint, though Olympic spokesman Sun Weide said, "We hope that foreigners will respect the related Chinese laws." The three Tiananmen protesters were arrested again today.

In a telephone interview, Cheek said the unexpected visa revocation was "very personally disappointing."