Some political and sports elite in Syria have denounced Tibet separatists headed by Dalai Lama for trying to split China and some Western countries' attempts to politicize the Beijing Olympic Games.

They have voiced their firm support for China's efforts to safeguard national unity and ensure successful Beijing Olympic Games.

As a sincere friend to China, Syria has the full awareness that the Dalai clique's aim is in essence to split China, said Syria's Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Abr when meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Syria Li Huaxin.

He said all those who attempt to politicize the Beijing Olympic Games have ulterior motives and wished the sports event scheduled for August a big success.

The speaker's point of view was echoed by Syrian Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform Adel Saffar, who also said that the Olympic movement should not be politicized.

Saffar said Syria understands and supports China's stand on the Tibet issue and China's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and unity.

Dr. Fayssal Bassri, chairman of the Olympic Committee of Syria, spoke highly of Beijing's preparation for the Olympic event and vowed to offer Syria's full support and cooperation.

He also said a small number of Tibetan separatists can not represent the whole Tibetan people and their attempt to split China is doomed to fail.

(Xinhua News Agency April 29, 2008)