United Nations Radio

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has again called for an observance of the Olympic Truce to coincide with the opening of the Beijing Games Friday.

The Secretary-General says though limited in duration, this Truce has unlimited potential, adding that "it can provide a pause in which to reconsider the heavy cost of war; an opening to initiate a dialogue, and a window to provide relief for suffering populations."

He says it can demonstrate to the world that peace is possible in even the most seemingly intractable situations if we truly work towards it.

The Secretary-General notes that the Olympic Games celebrate the human spirit bringing together athletes from myriad backgrounds, all cultures and every nationality in a common endeavor to excel -- to run faster, reach further, and aim higher. But the true excellence of the Games rests in their ability to unite humanity around universal aspirations: equality, fair play, sportsmanship, tolerance and, above all, peace.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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