The Guardian 7 November, 2007
Olympic truce
The United Nations General Assembly, that is still in session in New York, has unanimously adopted a resolution calling for a truce during the Beijing Olympic Games next year.
The resolution which was submitted by China and co-sponsored by another 186 countries urges member states to observe the Olympic truce individually and collectively during the Games.
The resolution, entitled "Building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal" was approved by the 192 member-state bodies.
The resolution covers both the main Olympics from August 8 to 24 and the following Paralympic Games also to be held in Beijing from September 6 to 17.
The International Olympic Committee has welcomed the resolution and is to mobilise international sports organisations and the National Olympic Committees to promote and strengthen a culture of peace and harmony.
The concept of the Olympic Truce treaty was first adopted by Greek city-states participating in the ancient Olympic Games.
"With a history of over 1,000 years, the treaty is a peace accord that has been observed for the longest time in history" said Liu Qi, President of the Beijing Organising Committee.
The President of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge told the UN General Assembly that "sport unites the principles that the Olympic Movement holds dear — education, sustainability, non-discrimination, universality, humanism and solidarity".
He said that four billion people — the most ever — will watch the Beijing Games. "This is a wonderful opportunity for China and the world to witness the Olympic values in action — to see first-hand the excellence, friendship and respect that sport brings to life, to witness the harmony, understanding and peace that sport can engender".