Slovakia Supported Olympic Truce for Next Year's Winter Olympics in Italy

New York/Bratislava, 20 November (TASR) - Slovakia supported the Italian initiative for an Olympic Truce for next year's Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Italy at the plenary session of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday (19 November), Foreign Affairs Ministry's communication department has informed TASR. "This step is particularly significant at a time when the world is facing serious security threats, including the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East," stated Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD), stressing that Slovakia views sport as one of the most powerful tools for understanding between nations. The draft resolution was submitted to the UN by Italy, the host of the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. "By joining the resolution, we want weapons to be laid down during the 2026 Winter Olympics and a space for dialogue to be opened. Such a step would not only be a demonstration of solidarity with the athletes, but also a call for humanity and a message to the whole world that peace is the common goal of all nations," added Blanar. He believes that the proposal will win wide support from UN member states. The ministry said it finds the support of Slovak athletes to be an important part of the development of sports diplomacy, which is one of the priorities declared by its current leadership. In this regard, Blanar back in October of last year confirmed the continuation of the ministry's support for the upcoming Winter Olympics to the Slovak Olympic and Sports Committee. The Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, will take place between 6 and 22 February. They will be followed by the Paralympic Games due to be held between 6 and 15 March. ko