Arafat vows (Olympic) Games truce

[CShine]

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat told foreign diplomats yesterday that he was committed to a truce during the August Olympics in Greece. Mr Arafat's comments came amid Egyptian efforts to mediate a total ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinians that would allow for a smooth withdrawal of Israeli troops and evacuation of Jewish settlements from the Gaza Strip.

"I announce our commitment to a truce during the Olympic Game period... hoping this will help to revive the old Greek ritual of creating a generation that enjoys peace," Mr Arafat said.

Greece is hosting the Olympics from August 13 to 29. In ancient Greece during the Olympic Truce that ran from a week before the Games until a week after, hostilities ceased in order to let athletes, artists and spectators travel to and from the Games in safety.

An Israeli official said Mr Arafat's remarks were further proof he controlled Palestinian militants, a charge the Palestinian leader has denied.

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/06/26/1088145022981.html?from=storylhs