PARIS Criticized over Dalai Lama

French President Nicolas Sarkozy's political opponents heaped criticism on him Thursday for avoiding a meeting with the Dalai Lama when the Tibetan spiritual leader comes to France this month.

Sarkozy had been under pressure from human rights groups to meet with the Dalai Lama -- especially since the president backed down from a threat to boycott the opening of the Beijing Olympics over China's crackdown in Tibet earlier this year.

Sarkozy plans to attend the ceremony today.

The president's critics accused him of bowing to Chinese pressure and wanting to secure major Chinese contracts for French companies.