BEIJING, China – In a statement released on Tuesday, film director Steven Spielberg announced his withdrawal as artistic adviser for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Mr. Spielberg accused China of not doing enough to resolve the crisis in Darfur, saying “I have made repeated efforts to encourage the Chinese government to use its unique influence to bring safety and stability to the Darfur region of Sudan. Although some progress has been made [the situation] continues to worsen and the violence continues to accelerate.”

At least 200,000 people have been killed and two million forced from their homes in the five-year conflict.

Actress Mia Farrow, who has campaigned against what she calls the “Genocide Olympics,” praised Mr. Spielberg’s decision, hoping it would influence others to drop out of the Olympic Games.

In response, the Chinese Embassy in Washington called Mr. Spielberg and Ms. Farrow’s actions unfair for linking the Games to Darfur. They said the event should not be politicized.

Although human rights groups have applauded Mr. Spielberg’s decision, some are unhappy with the focus on Darfur alone. Richard Just of The New Republic said Mr. Spielberg made it seem “as if Darfur were the only reason one might think twice about serving as a propagandist for the Beijing Olympics.”

For more information, please see:

Reuters – Olympics – EU rights champion backs Spielberg over Games – 13 February 2008

The New York Times – Mia Farrow Gains Ground in Campaign Against Beijing Games – 13 February 2008

BBC News – Spielberg in Darfur snub to China – 13 February 2008