Australian PM to attend Beijing Olympics

Updated June 19, 2008 22:34:01

Australian PM Kevin Rudd who visited China in April will be back in August, for the Olympic Games. [Reuters]

Australia's prime minister, Kevin Rudd, says he will go to the Beijing Olympic Games in August because it is the right thing to do'.

A handful of world leaders, including the French president, are threatening to boycott the games to protest against China's treatment of Tibet.

The prime minister had ruled out a boycott but has not said until now if he would attend the games.

Mr Rudd has now announced he will accept the Chinese government's invitation.

"What I had to work out, as I said I think back at the time, is a few scheduling things back here," he said.

"But we've made it work and I'll be going to the opening ceremony and I'll be there for a few days after that and come back. I think altogether about three days."

Criticism

The leader of Australia's Greens Party, Bob Brown, says Mr Rudd has turned his back on Tibetans suffering human rights abuses at the hands of China.

"It's the wrong thing to do, it's not the right thing to do," he said.

"And the hopes of Australians, if you leave aside the Tibetans, will be dumped by your inexplicable cave-in to Beijing this morning."