The policy calls for a boycott of the Olympic Games in Beijing are more pressing

Ares are political leaders or sportsmen who have publicly raised the possibility of boycotting the Olympics in Beijing since the demonstrations escalated into violence in Tibet. The appeals not to participate in the rally sports have mostly emanated from associations of human rights and Tibet support and predates the early incidents. But since the beginning of the crisis, athletic participation and political presence at the Olympic Games as a means of pressuring the communist regime became an issue that world leaders have a duty to comment. Reporters Without Borders, who recalled having been opposed "from the outset the awarding of the Olympic Games in Beijing, calls for a boycott political rather than sporting, arguing that a total boycott" is no longer on the agenda "because it is impossible to ask "four months of the Olympics for athletes not to go to Beijing." However, its chairman, Robert Menard, believes that "Nicolas Sarkozy, as all heads of state and government," should "boycott the opening ceremony" to send a strong signal. Human Rights Watch has adopted the same position. The organization dismisses any sporting boycott and calls on governments "to demand an improvement [Chinese authorities] before committing to come to the Games." "They should not condone their presence by Chinese repression", has maintained its head, Kenneth Roth. In France, some politicians, such as Jack Lang and the secretary-general of the Socialist Party, Francois Hollande, took the opposite of the government by saying that we should not exclude this possibility not to participate in the Games. Intellectuals like Bernard-Henri Levy also defended the use of the boycott. Senator Robert Badinter, in turn, thought that the athletes wear badges Tibet support, and that "it would have a considerable impact." Only senior European clearly have raised the hypothesis of a non-presence at the Olympic Games, the president of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Poettering, said Brussels "[could] do not accept what is happening in Tibet. Chinese must understand that. " "We must send a signal to Beijing (...), we must continue to consider all options." From abroad, in addition to the actor Richard Gere, a long time advocate of the rights of Tibetans, one of the few discordant voices comes from Ma Yong-Jeou, the favorite in the presidential election in Taiwan. He hinted that if elected, he could call for a boycott. "If the Chinese authorities are continuing their crackdown on Tibetans and if the situation deteriorates, and if I am elected President, I does not rule out the possibility of not sending athletes at the Olympics," he said. And in the world of sport, unanimously opposed to such an idea, only the Swiss Olympic Committee has elevated the tone. "We can not be content to observe and say nothing," he said. Even among Tibetans, the question of the boycott is debatable. The Dalai Lama has publicly called to participate in the Olympics, while some community leaders exiled Tibetan offer to organize them in another country. "The best solution would be that the Games should be transferred to a country where human rights are respected," estimated Lhanzom Everding, president of the Association of Tibetans exiled in Germany.

Five days of a moving much complicated in Lyon, Paul Le Guen has set its priorities. Things are clear: the PSG do the maintenance and it is not subject to disperse. Tuesday, under the blows of 18.10 is a bis PSG who will make their appearance on the lawn of the Parc des Princes to challenge Bastia in 8th finals of the French Cup. "Obviously that priority is the championship. Of course I will keep that account. Against Bastia, I will be running largely because the staff even though it will be very difficult in Lyon, it is necessary to prepare and get the freshest possible, "said Le Guen after zero conceded at home against Valenciennes (1-1) Saturday. As proof, several managers (Landreau, Rothen, Yepes, Clement) have been put to rest until Wednesday! According to the speeches of Parisians, it is not to sacrifice this competition which loves the club from the capital in recent years. The doubt is allowed and there is a great risk. Because in the precarious situation faced by the PSG, elimination at home facing a club Ligue 2 would be anything but good news for the confidence and morale of the troops. In the absence of certain leaders and especially Pauleta, and Luyindula Digard, all at the infirmary, the starting eleven Parisian should strongly resemble those who have the habit of ignoring the grounds of CFA. A boon to Bastiais who had created the sensation of 16es finals in étrillant Auxerre at Furiani (0-3). Except that the Corsicans are not the best either. Casoni The band is currently in a zone of turbulence which has sealed its ambitions to climb in Ligue 1. With 3 defeats in 5 matches, Bastia was leaking car and the contenders are now 11 points behind Troyes, 3rd. The Coupe de France appears therefore as the best means of sufficient air and afford a late-season more exciting. Absent last weekend in Dijon, Conombo, Barthélémy, Leca and Mayor will not travel in the capital where Bastia never returned victorious! The composition of the groups PSG Alonzo, Edel - Armand, Bourillon, Camara, Ceara, Mendy, Mabiala, Sakho - Souza, Sankhare, NGoyi, Partouche - Diane, Arnaud, Everton, NGog, Mauritius Bastia Ejide, Goda - Bridonneau, Camara, Harek, Lorenzi, Meniri - Ben Saada, Cahuzac, Ghisolfi, Gomez, Jau, Licata, Mendy - Andrew, Gaffory, Pentecost They said… For Clement Chantôme, no matter who will be on the lawn at the Parc des Princes, Paris will give the maximum so no one can get out at home facing a club L2. "The coach decided to rotate staff to receive Bastia in the French Cup. It's not because he decided to turn that we délaissons this competition. We must not forget that the championship is the top priority given our current situation. Players aligned Tuesday will make every effort to qualify. We have a tricky trip to Lyon Sunday in the championship, and we will all be one hundred percent, "said the Parisian milieu on the site of the club. History confrontations If one refers to the various confrontations between PSG and Bastia at the Parc des Princes, Corsicans leave with a big handicap. It's simple, Bastiais have never won in Paris in their history! Players of the capital were imposed on 18 occasions and have conceded to 7 times the void. Their last five matches PSG - Valenciennes 1-1 (Ligue 1, the 29th j) Rennes - PSG 2-0 (Ligue 1, the 28th j) Bordeaux - PSG 3-0 (Ligue 1, the 27th j) PSG - Auxerre 3-2 (Coupe de la Ligue, ½ finals) PSG - Monaco 1-1 (Ligue 1, the 26th j) Dijon - Bastia 2-1 (Ligue 2, the 28th day) Bastia - Niort 2-2 (Ligue 2, the 27th day) Grenoble - Bastia 1-0 (Ligue 2, the 26th day) Bastia - Libourne St Seurin 2-1 (Ligue 2, the 25th day) Nantes - Bastia 2-0 (Ligue 1, the 24th day)

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) - Rafael Nadal (ESP)

After a semi-final Grand Slam revised and corrected by the director of Godzilla, Indian Wells offers the second part of the adventures of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Rafael "Rambo" Nadal is not dead and goes back to the court to challenge the new terror of the circuit. The trailer is a caricature, but certainly the poster deserves the attention of all. A month and a half after his outstanding performance, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will be able to reassess his tennis. Rafael Nadal has not started well this season. Its losses, some tough times, before Mikhail Youzhny (Chennaï), Andreas Seppi (Rotterdam), Andy Roddick (Dubai), have betrayed a less intense physical commitment on the part of the Majorcan. It also plays shorter now and the other players are less afraid of its counters. The memorable Tsonga beating him imposed on Melbourne (6-2, 6-3, 6-2) needs to be reviewed from this perspective. "In Australia, he had control of the ball all the time. I will try not to repeat the same scenario," he explained Monday. A bout of strength at the end of 2007, forced to modify its ongoing support, we must face the facts: after three years of tennis we must calm the horses, reduce and manage the sailing calendar. "I have the opportunity to show that Australia was not lucky" Tsonga was indicative of this new attitude. He supported strong here, saying hit where it hurts. The Spaniard knows he will have to defend a number of points senseless this spring on clay (titles in Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Rome and Roland Garros, and a final in Hamburg), but mostly he knows what state he tackled the second half last year. His "medium level of play" remains strong enough to stay on top. He does not put them immune to the onslaught of players in shape. Roger Federer facing the same problem even if it has been less and better anticipated. Summing up the situation, one feels rather borrowed Nadal, on the reserve. It has not yet delivered one battle, which he has the secret. Why then did he react vigorously if Indian Wells had not done at the first Grand Slam? Because he must defend his title. Because it is "arrogant", launches Tsonga. "He likes challenges." The challenge of Nadal will be to forget its mine déconfite after the semi-finals in Melbourne: "It is in the best moment of his career, he has no pressure, everything is working. I think this is perhaps be not her real level. play like that every week, it is impossible. going to lose it with humility. " Tsonga also knows what he has to do: "I have the opportunity to show that Australia was not good luck. Very good. Me to be motivated to be at the top. Ma Quality is not pure tennis. But I win a lot of matches with the motivation. I also play with the public. I know that I can impress my opponent. " Its first two matches at Indian Wells confirmed its ambitions and the quality of his tennis. Jo still plays top 10, and better, has the confidence of a top 10: "In my head, the favorite c'est moi." It is a first step in the voluntary court. Nadal will there so much?

Foot - ANG - Matches late - The flight from M.U?

On Wednesday, Manchester United (1) initiates a series of three consecutive home games. The first meeting is a late match of the 29th day, against Bolton (18th), which is two points below the waterline and has won a match on the outside (Reading). A golden opportunity to widen the gap on Arsenal, which has the same number of points as men to Alex Ferguson (67). This game is well within the reach of Manchester, better defense at home with only 5 goals against in fourteen receptions, which retrieves Carlos Tevez (photo L'Equipe), left at rest at the slow victory at Derby County (1-0) . A meeting where the young goalkeeper Ben Foster saved the shack and after which Alex Ferguson was mounted in niche: "We must respect all our opponents. In this match we played the baballe, and we almost missed the three points. "With its victory against MU in the match to go (1-0, but for Anelka, since party in Chelsea), Bolton is the one of four teams with Manchester City, West Ham and Portsmouth to achieve that feat. The Red Devils should make them pay dearly this affront. Wednesday evening, the Premier League will be up to date because the other encounter missing, a Tottenham-Chelsea of the 27th day, will be performed. And it sent the powder, the Blues (3e) wanting to take their revenge on the Spurs (12e) who had beaten in the final of the League Cup (2-1, ap). Visitors, where Anelka and Drogba are fighting for the only place available in attack and where Cech will make his return to the goals, are at a turning point of their season. In case of victory, they would have 67 points, Arsenal is second. The Gunners also welcome them at Stamford Bridge this weekend for one of the shocks of the 31st day with ManU - Liverpool. More than ever, the three points are required for Manchester and Chelsea who have their matches in a cartridge additional delay in their relentless war facing Arsenal.

Ireland: Easterby retires International

After a Six Nations tournament that the XV of the club finished a disappointing 4th place, which could mark the end of a generation, the 3rd row Simon Easterby has chosen to end his international career . Replacing last weekend at the defeat (33-10) of the Greens in Twickenham, in front of England, the captain of Llanelli, 32 years old, has honored its 65th and final cape. Retained with the British Lions in 2005, during the tour in New Zealand, he had started in selection in 2000, at Lansdowne Road to face Scotland, and had worn the captain's armband at the series of tests' Fall 2005.

Arnaud Pic in Brive

The young scrum half of Clermont, Arnaud Pic, signed a two-year contract for Brive. In lack of playing time in Clermont (4 Top 14 events contested in a year), Arnaud Pic decided to leave the ASM. The young scrum half has signed a two-year contract to join Brive it next summer. "I did not hesitate for long when Laurent Seigne came to see me. I wanted to gain playing time is what I lack at the moment for further progress, "he says on the site of Brive.

Newcastle: Keegan likes Michael Owen

According to the manager of Newcastle, Michael Owen is the key that can help to maintain the Magpies this season in the Premier League. The International English 28 years has helped his team not to sink Monday night in Game for the 30th day in Birmingham disputed, by equalizing in the 55th minute (1-1). "I am pleased to have a player like him at the club. It is a natural leader, a superb finisher, and a world-class player," said Keegan on the website of the BBC.

Toro Rosso is for sale

The owner of Red Bull announced it would sell, before 2010, the team Toro Rosso it owns. The Toro Rosso team is for sale! This was announced Dietrich Mateschitz, the owner of Red Bull, owner of the Toro Rosso team in the company of Gerhard Berger. "It is no secret that we have put Toro Rosso on the market. For 2010, there will be a change in regulations that would prevent the synergy of the design and construction of cars between the Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso. I see the need to keep only one team. We are not going to sell Toro Rosso in the year 2008, but we will do so before 2010, "he told Motorsport Aktuell. Toro Rosso team is French Sebastien Bourdais, the 7th Australian Grand Prix on Sunday for his debut in F1.

Tennis: Bartoli and eighth to Ivanovic in Indian Wells

The Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli, head serial number 6, has passed the third round of the WTA tournament in Indian Wells dominant German Angelique Kerber 6-3 7-6. In the next round, the finalist at Wimbledon 2007 face for a place in the quarter finals American Lindsay Davenport. Monday, she struggled to conclude the game on its eighth match point. She had yet essentially rises 5-1 in the second round. "It's always difficult to conclude a game that you play with confidence or not. Depends on how your opponent reacts to the situation, the way you react and play," she said, acknowledging having wrong choices on some exchanges. The Serbian Ana Ivanovic, head serial number one, has also qualified at the expense of Italian Tathiana Garbin, head serial number 31, in two sets 6-3 6-0.

It gives?

Petit Poucet of the competition, Carquefou hopes to create the new face of a writ of cadors of Ligue 1, OM. But the club held CFA2 does it deal with the shock phocéen ogre? Current 14th Group G CFA 2, Petit Poucet eighths of the final of the French Cup, Carquefou, intends to sow trouble facing the ogre Olympian. Despite the five divisions - an abyss - separating the two clubs, the chairman Michel Auray always hope: "I would be tempted to say, without any excessiveness, as if we had no chance, we do not jouerions this match. There is always a chance, it is perhaps small, but we must play to the merits. ". The sound of a bell does not resonate in a similar manner on the side of the coach Carquefou, Denis Renaud, which remains very realistic about the chances of defeating one of the greatest teams in Ligue 1 verve. "We must be realistic," he says. We have a chance in a hundred of achieving coup of the century, but we will give everything to exist. " If the coach hopes carquefolien exist on the ground, this is already happening outside the ground. Indeed, the amateur club can be proud of having sold the 38000-seat de la Beaujoire in the space of one day, with no less than 6000 green and white scarves sold in the colours of the club. The president s'avouait a little overtaken by events during our interview: "It's huge in the city that is in turmoil the past two weeks. Everyone's talking about it and all traders are on deck. It has never seen such a craze around pennants, jerseys, tracksuits and, more generally, around the club. " Renaud: "Everything that happens is grandiose" But the leaders and members of the staff did not shun their pleasure. Playing with Olympique Marseille and all that it symbolizes is a real showcase for amateur football. Already thrilled to confront Nancy for the previous round (2-1), Denis Renaud back on this draw: "Everything went very quickly. We have witnessed the draw almost an hour after our achievement against Nancy. It had not even digested, we are back again in a large poster. With regard to the environment, it falls on what is the best, sportingly, it falls on what is the most difficult. We could not imagine a better poster, even though the bar is set very high, this is the best level attack in the French Championship. " Carquefou will give 100% for - who knows? -- Create one of those whose exploits Coupe de France is very keen. But pressure, as the club tries to avoid as much as possible with a green two-day is well and truly palpable. In a La Beaujoire stadium archicomble, the risk may lie in the fact that players will find it difficult to manage the "too-full of" pressure, which somewhat worried the coach Renaud: "We know it's risk. The fear of not being in the game during the first quarter of an hour, so it's the risk of getting a little stifled by these 38000 people. Have anything more World OM is a double handicap, but the public will have a weight Therefore in the future, if we manage to keep the shock the first 20 minutes. But, we should not spit in the soup, but what happens to us is grandiose. ". Whatever the outcome, Carquefou has already won his bet representing the amateur football in its most beautiful face.