Greek officials want an Olympic truce and have launched a program to increase recognition of an Olympic Truce during the Athens 2006 Games. The program’s motto is “on your marks, ready – cease-fire”, and the truce aims for a cessation of hostilities around the world during the 16 days of the Games.
Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, vice president of the International Olympic Truce Center founded under the auspices of the IOC said, “the goal exactly is that every time there are Olympics, this principle will be respected more and more”.
Papandreou announced the beginning of the international publicity campaign to coincide with the Salt Lake City Winter Games.
European Union foreign ministers and some athletes have signed the Olympic Truce book, pledging to spread the word. Greek President Costis Stephanopoulos is sending letters to India and Pakistan asking them to participate in the truce, while similar letters will be sent to Israeli and Palestinian officials.
