Blockbuster Hollywood movie director Steven Spielberg has withdrawn from his role as an artistic director of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games because of China's activities in Darfur.

In a prepared statement, Spielberg hedged his bets and said, "In anticipation that this day might one day come, I left unsigned the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games contract presented to me nearly a year ago. Since that time, 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 along the way, most notably, the passage of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1769, the situation in Darfur continues to worsen and the violence continues to accelerate."

Spielberg offered hope that China would take a more proactive stance on world affairs as he said the country has a responsibility to assist people in Darfur.

The director ended his statement by saying, "I hope to be among those in attendance [at the Olympics]; and it is also my great hope that, with renewed and intensified efforts from China, there will be peace and security in Darfur at last."

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