Oly: US death is a tragedy but Beijing is a safe place - Rudd

AAP General News (Australia)
08-10-2008
Oly: US death is a tragedy but Beijing is a safe place - Rudd

BEIJING, Aug 10 AAP - Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has brushed aside suggestions the stabbing
murder of an American tourist in Beijing could be part of an anti-Western backlash during
the Olympic Games.

After attending church in the Chinese capital today, Mr Rudd said the death of the
US Olympic volleyball coach's father-in-law at a popular tourist landmark yesterday was
a tragedy.

But Beijing was generally a safe and welcoming place, he said.

"This is a very large city of 12 million people and in my experience of this city over
the years, foreigners have always been made to feel very welcome," he told reporters.

"And foreigners walking around the city have always been made to feel safe.

"This seems to be a tragic incident .. a tragic occurrence for the family, but beyond
that I couldn't comment on the details.

AAP ce/jmt

KEYWORD: OLY08 DEATH RUDD

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