Bush to attend Olympics ceremonies

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President George W. Bush will attend the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games in China next month, the White House said on Thursday. Human rights activists have been calling for world leaders to boycott the opening ceremonies to protest China's record on civil rights. China's crackdown on Tibet after deadly riots in March sparked worldwide protests over Beijing's policies, including demonstrations that disrupted the procession of the Olympic torch. "The president and Mrs. Bush will attend the Opening Ceremonies of the Summer Olympic Games on August 8," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said in a statement announcing Bush's trip to South Korea, Thailand and China next month. French President Nicolas Sarkozy has said he will decide next week whether to attend the opening of the Games, depending... [read full story]