NEW
YORK — In an action that could signal improved relations between two of
the world's largest international organizations, the United Nations
General Assembly has adopted a resolution proposed by the International
Olympic Committee urging member nations to observe Olympic truces during
the 1994 Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway, and the 1996 Summer Games
in Atlanta.
In presenting the proposal to UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali here last February, IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch expressed concern about the UN's 1992 ban against Yugoslav athletes entering other nations because of that country's role in the warfare in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
As a result, the Spanish government would not permit them to travel to Barcelona for the 1992 Summer Olympics until the UN and IOC reached a compromise that allowed Yugoslavs to participate individually but not as members of teams.
"It's unfortunate how it developed because it was clear that the UN had very little understanding of the Olympic ideal," said Anita DeFrantz of Los Angeles, an IOC executive board member. "But now, the UN is recognizing that athletes should be able to go to the Games, and it also creates at least hope for a regular period of truce."
In presenting the proposal to UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali here last February, IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch expressed concern about the UN's 1992 ban against Yugoslav athletes entering other nations because of that country's role in the warfare in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
As a result, the Spanish government would not permit them to travel to Barcelona for the 1992 Summer Olympics until the UN and IOC reached a compromise that allowed Yugoslavs to participate individually but not as members of teams.
"It's unfortunate how it developed because it was clear that the UN had very little understanding of the Olympic ideal," said Anita DeFrantz of Los Angeles, an IOC executive board member. "But now, the UN is recognizing that athletes should be able to go to the Games, and it also creates at least hope for a regular period of truce."
The
UN resolution, passed by acclamation, was based on the Greek tradition
of "Ekecheria," which guaranteed safe passage through warring
city-states for athletes en route to the ancient Olympics.
Samaranch will meet with UN officials Friday to discuss the truce while in New York for the annual U.S. Olympic Congress. He also will be briefed by the USOC president, LeRoy Walker, about the prolonged search for a second IOC member from the United States to fill the position vacated when Robert Helmick resigned because of conflict-of-interest questions in 1991.
Samaranch will meet with UN officials Friday to discuss the truce while in New York for the annual U.S. Olympic Congress. He also will be briefed by the USOC president, LeRoy Walker, about the prolonged search for a second IOC member from the United States to fill the position vacated when Robert Helmick resigned because of conflict-of-interest questions in 1991.
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