Olympics: UN proclaims Games truce

UNITED NATIONS - The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution encouraging all nations to observe an Olympic truce during the 2006 Winter Games to be held in Turin, Italy, in February.

The tradition of the Olympic truce dates back to Ancient Greece in 9 BC. It was said to be dictated by the oracle at Delphi to ensure the safety of both participating athletes and spectators. Offenders were banned from future games.

The International Olympic Committee revived the concept in 1992, and the General Assembly since 1993 has unanimously adopted a resolution every two years reiterating support for the temporary truce.

"The ancient tradition of the Olympic Truce is the expression today of humanity's desire to build a world based on the rules of fair competition, humanity, reconciliation and tolerance," Italian UN envoy Aldo Mantovani, whose government is hosting the Turin games, told the assembly.

Its purpose is "to encourage a peaceful environment during the games, ensure a safe passage for athletes and others at the games, and to mobilise the youth of the world to the cause of peace," said Jan Eliasson of Sweden, the president of the 191-nation UN assembly.

- REUTERS