U.N. assembly calls for truce during 2012 Olympics

30.06.2012 [20:00]
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Baku, June 30 (azerTAc). Maintaining a tradition rooted in ancient Greece, the United Nations General Assembly called on nations around the world to observe an Olympic Truce for the 2012 London Games.

A resolution sponsored by host country Britain urged member states "to observe ... the Olympic Truce, individually and collectively" from the start of the Olympics on July 27 to the close of the Paralympics, for athletes with disabilities, on September 9. The two events will be held in succession in London.

The UN Truce resolution, entitled “Building a better world through sport and the Olympic ideal”, also urged nations to support the International Olympic Committee “in its efforts to promote peace and human understanding through sport.” The General Assembly has approved a similar resolution before every edition of the Games since 1993.

The modern Olympic Truce was inspired by similar agreements that allowed competitors and spectators to travel safely to the ancient Olympic Games in Greece.

In ancient Greece, where the Olympics began, often-warring city-states suspended conflicts for up to three months to enable athletes to travel freely to and from the games.

U.N. assembly calls for truce during 2012 Olympics

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