Dear Mr. Samaranch,

SUBJECT:  Observance of the Olympic Truce

In reply to your fax of 24 August 2000, may I inform you that the appeal for the observance of the Olympic Truce on the occasion of the Games of the XXVII Olympiad, held from 15 September to 1 October in Sydney, Australia was made by my predecessor, Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab, President of the 54th General Assembly of the United Nations.  The appeal was addressed to the Member States of the United Nations on 5 September 2000.

As President of the 55th General Assembly, I join my predecessor urging everybody, individually and collectively, to observe the Olympic Truce and foster dialogue, reconciliation, and fraternity during the Sydney Games.  My wish is that the Olympic Truce promotes good will and peaceful settlement of conflicts throughout the world.

Respectfully,
 
 

Harri Holkeri
President