United Nations Radio

The United Nations General Assembly on Monday called on Member States to observe the Olympics Truce during this year's games in Canada.

The call is in accordance with the ancient Greek tradition of Ekecheiria or Olympic Truce started in the 8th century B.C. served as a hallowed principle of the Olympic Games.

The International Olympic Committee renewed this tradition 1992 by calling upon all nations to observe the truce.

In 1993 the General Assembly urged member states to observe the Olympic Truce from the 7th day before the opening to the 7th day following the closing of each Olympic Games.

Ambassador Ali Treki of Libya issued this year's call.

(Arabic with English translation)

"As President of the General Assembly at its 64th session, I solemnly appeal to all member states to demonstrate their commitment to the Olympic Truce for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Canada and to undertake concrete actions at the local national, regional and international levels to promote and consolidate the culture of peace and harmony based on the spirit of the truce."

The 21st Winter Olympic Games will be held from 12 to 28 February 2010 and the 10th Paralympic Winter Games to be held from 11 to 21 March 2010.

Diane Bailey, United Nations
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