A French government minister is quoted in a newspaper as saying that President Nicolas Sarkozy could boycott the Olympics opening ceremony unless China releases political prisoners and opens a dialogue with the Dalai Lama.
Human Rights Minister Rama Yade has been quoted as setting out a list of conditions needed for Mr Sarkozy to attend the ceremony on August 8.
She said the other conditions needed are an end to violence against the local population and light shed on the recent events in Tibet.
Ms Yade was quoted on Saturday as saying that Mr Sarkozy would make his decision based on how the situation evolves and would speak after consulting his European Union partners.