UN calls for observance of truce during Beijing Olympics

The United Nations called Monday for a cessation
of hostilities worldwide during the Summer Olympics Games in Beijing
next month, according to dpa.
"Though limited in duration, this truce has unlimited potential,"
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said in a message to UN members
asking them to observe the Olympic Truce in order to allow athletes
from all countries to travel and compete in the games without the
threats of war.
The call for the observance of the Olympic Truce was endorsed by
the International Olympic Committee and the UN General Assembly.
The truce can provide a "pause to reconsider the heavy cost of
war; an opening to initiate a dialogue and a window to provide relief
for suffering populations," Ban said.
"It can demonstrate to the world that peace is possible in even
the most seemingly intractable situations if we truly work towards
it," the message said.
Unlike other leaders, Ban has decided not to attend the Olympics'
opening ceremonies in Beijing on August 8. But he paid an official
visit to the Chinese government in early July.