The chairman of French supermarket chain Carrefour has reiterated support for the Olympics. He also denied rumors that his company supported Tibetan separatists, and rejected calls for a boycott of the Beijing Olympics.
The chairman reiterated that as a business group, Carrefour's headquarters, branches and any store do not interfere in the internal affairs of any foreign countries.
The chairman reiterated that as a business group, Carrefour's headquarters, branches and any store do not interfere in the internal affairs of any foreign countries.
Carrefour chairman Jose Luis Duran said, "We firmly oppose the politicization of the Olympics. We understand the emotions of the boycotters and the disputes caused by the torch relay. What happened in Paris during the Olympic torch relay hurt the feelings of the Chinese people and triggered their protests. We have expressed our stance after the incidents took place. Now I want to reiterate it: the French people are not proud of such activities."
Duran also denied that Carrefour's Singapore branch provided funds for Dalai Lama, saying these allegations are groundless. He said Carrefour and its branches have given no direct or indirect support to any political or religious group. He said Carrefour has never done this and will never do it in China or anywhere else.
Duran said Carrefour will go all out to support the Beijing Olympics, and himself will attend the opening ceremony of the Olympics.
Duran said China was given the honor of hosting the 2008 Olympics, which is an opportunity for China to present its achievements since the adoption of the opening-up policy.
He said he hoped that the preparations for the Olympics will be implemented with a harmonious atmosphere, and that the success of the Beijing Olympics will benefit all the people.
(CCTV April 25, 2008)