UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has announced the “Olympic truce” during the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, that will begin on August 5.

In a video message posted on the organization’s Twitter he urged all warring parties “to lay down their weapons and put aside their differences during the Games”.

 “The International Olympic Committee and the UN work closely together for harmony and peace.  We’re calling on all warring parties to lay down their weapons and put aside their differences during the Games,” he noted.

He urged the international community to fight for ideals of equality and mutual respect and also to try bring prosperity and dignity for all people on the planet. “Peace begins with us”, Ban Ki-moon emphasized congratulating all athletes and fans who will go to Rio de Janeiro.

The XXXI summer Olympic Games will take place from August 5 to August 21, 2016. It will be the first Olympic Games organized in South America. Paralympic Games will take place from September 7 to September 18.