A spokesman for the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee criticized radical supporters of Tibetan independence for their sabotage of the ongoing Olympic torch relay.

Their activities, which have challenged the rule of law, trampled human rights and blocked peace and progress, are being condemned by the people of the world who cordially love the Olympic spirit, the spokesman said in a written statement issued on Thursday.

The overseas section of the relay began on April 1 and has run in six cities - Almaty, Istanbul, Saint Petersburg, London, Paris and San Francisco.

Some foreign leaders and top athletes took part, while all the cities have held grand welcoming ceremonies. It shows people's love for the Olympic Movement and expectations about the Beijing Games, he said, adding that lots of Chinese watched the relay on the spot and they helped boost the morale of torch bearers.

Meanwhile, a small number of supporters of Tibetan independence tried to stop the relay and attack the torch bearers, in defiance of Olympic principles, local law and the safety of torch bearers, said the spokesman.

He cited Jin Jing, a handicapped Chinese torch bearer, as an example. Supporters of Tibetan independence attacked the Chinese girl, who lost her right leg when she was nine, said the spokesman. Jin held the torch tightly in her arms, while three or four people tried to take the torch from her.

Local police and members of the torch relay team safeguarded the esteem of the Olympic torch and protected the safety of the bearers, said the official.

"We don't believe that the small number of radical saboteurs can represent the mass of people of their nations, and we don't believe that the Beijing Olympic Games and the Olympic spirit can be damaged by the small group of rioters," said the spokesman.

The spokesman said that the Olympic torch relay, the most important celebration and program prior to the opening of the Olympic Games, has had its route approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and recognized by all relevant national and regional Olympic committees as well as governments of the cities it passes by.

All relevant foreign governments have solemnly promised to ensure the safety, smoothness and dignity of the torch relay, which aims to be a journey promoting harmony. It is of great importance to further spreading the Olympic Spirit and promoting friendship among people of various nations, the official said.

He said that as an Olympic host of a developing country, China will strictly follow the rules and requirements of the IOC, learn from other host countries of previous Olympic Games with an open mind, and use their experience for reference.

"We believe that with the widespread support of peace-loving people and people that worship the Olympic Spirit in the world, the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay will be carried out according to the plan and it will be a complete success," the official said.

He expressed the confidence that with the support of the IOC, all national and regional Olympic committees, and all members of the big Olympic family, Beijing will successfully host a high-level Olympic Games with characteristics and leave a unique heritage to the development of the Olympic Movement.

(Xinhua News Agency April 11, 2008)