Greece calls for global truce

Greece, borrowing from the tradition of the ancients, called on Wednesday for a worldwide truce during the Olympic Games in Sydney.

In an open letter to all nations, President Costis Stephanopoulos said a global ceasefire would give hope to millions of people in conflict zones.

"I appeal for the laying down of all weapons and for the ceasing of all war preparations among countries and peoples currently in armed conflict or on the verge of conflict for at least the duration of the Games," he said.

Greece, which will host the 2004 Games in Athens, has been campaigning for the restoration of the ancient truce under which countries laid down arms.

"Throughout the duration of the Olympic Truce, from the seventh day prior to the opening of the Games to the seventh day following their closing all conflicts ceased," Stephanopoulos said.

"(It allowed) athletes, artists and spectators to travel to Olympia, participate in the Games and return to their homelands in safety," he said.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution last year calling on countries to abide by an Olympic truce.