Ban Ki-moon calls on warring parties worldwide "to lay down their weapons" during Sochi Olympics
SOCHI. Feb 6 (Interfax) - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has called on warring parties across the world to follow the example of athletes who have united under the banners of the Olympic movement.
"The athletes here carry the flags of different nations - but they are all joining under the banner of equality, fair play, understanding and mutual respect. Their histories, traditions and day-to-day lives offer a wonderful parade of human diversity," Ban said at a session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday.
"And the athletes send a unified message that people and nations can put aside their differences. If they can do that in Sochi's sporting arenas, leaders of fighters should do the same in the world's combat areas," he said.
The UN secretary general renewed his call for all warring parties worldwide to observe the Olympic Truce and "to lay down their weapons during the Games - and to lift their sights to the promise of peace."
Ban praised the joint efforts of the UN and the IOC to promote common ideals around the world.
"That team - the United Nations and the IOC - are not competing on the ski slopes or skating rinks. We are joining our forces together for our shared ideals. Sustainability. Universality. Solidarity. Non-discrimination. The fundamental equality of all people," he said.
"The United Nations will continue to partner with the IOC to build a better, freer and more equal world. I count on your engagement and your support. Let us work together to make this world better for all," he said.
IOC President Thomas Bach, for his part, described the UN secretary general as a great friend of sport and a world leader who shares the same values as the Olympic movement.
