French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, refuses to condemn Tunisia's human rights record during a two-day state visit to the country. Instead he congratulates Zine al Abidine Ben Ali's government for its efforts in the fight against terrorism.

French national Olympic committee bans its athletes from wearing a badge supporting human rights at Beijing games.

French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, calls on Chinese authorities to reopen talks with Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.

Relay of Olympic flame cut short in French capital, Paris, as demonstrators protest China's security clampdown in Tibet.