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Taiwan Rejects China's Torch Relay Plans
Tsai's comments contradicted an April 13 statement by another Taiwanese Olympic official, who said the island could accept a spot on the torch route that involved Hong Kong.
Jiang, in a concession to Taiwan, said negotiations would continue.
  In this photo released by Lenovo the torch for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay is seen in Beijing, in March 2007. The torch, made from an aluminum-magnesium alloy, was designed by the Lenovo Innovation Design Center, which usually designs PC's for the computer maker. The torch was unveiled for the first time Thursday April 26, 2007, at a ceremony announcing the route for the Olympic torch relay. (AP Photo/Lenovo) (AP) |
"We will have further conversations and discussions," he said.
IOC spokeswoman Giselle Davies declined comment for the time being because of the political nature of the controversy.
The relay's signature moment is expected to be its ascent to the summit of Mount Everest, which straddles Nepal and Chinese-ruled Tibet.
The IOC, which shies away from controversy, was drawn into torch-relay politics after the three Americans and a Tibetan-American were detained on Everest. They waved a banner reading: "One World, One Dream, Free Tibet 2008." Another one in English and Chinese read: "Free Tibet."
Earlier Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said politics should be kept out of the games, and that Beijing had the support of the country and of people around the world.
"Most of China's citizens are looking forward and making preparations for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Most people in the world are looking forward to a successful Olympic Games that can promote the friendship of people around the world," he said at a news conference.
