Visiting former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin has expressed his opposition to a boycott of the Beijing Olympic Games.

In a TV interview in Beijing, Raffarin said he was deeply shocked at the recent disruption of the torch relay in Paris. He said the Olympics are meant to promote peace and participation and he objects to the politicization of the Games. He says that he will come to Beijing in August for the event.

"What I want to say to the Chinese young people is that most French people don't agree with infusing politics into sports, and I will be in Beijing on August 8 to show my support."

The former prime minister also severely criticised the Paris City Council's decision to make the Dalai Lama an honorary citizen of the city, and stresses that the move went against President Nicolas Sarkozy's efforts to improve Sino-French ties.

The French government has distanced itself from the capital's move, and President Sarkozy's Conservative Party also opposes the measure.