The world should apply the "Olympic Truce" that calls for peace, said International Olympic Committee honorary president Juan Antonio Samaranch at a ceremony held in Beijing by the Truce Foundation of the United States on Sunday.

Samaranch won the Ekecheiria Award for outstanding contributions to the development of the Olympic Movement and the revival of the ancient Olympic Truce.

"The world should do more to spread the 'Olympic Spirit' and the 'Olympic Truce',"said Samaranch.

The truce dates back to the 8th century BC. According to the truce, all conflicts should cease from the seventh day prior to the opening of the Olympic Games to the seventh day following the closing.

"We hope people who are inspired by the Olympics decide to apply some of the principles of the 'Olympic Truce' closer to home," said Hugh T. Dugan, founder of the Truce Foundation.

Cai Mingzhao, vice minister of the Information Office of the State Council, China's cabinet, got the Open Fields Award at the ceremony.

(Xinhua News Agency August 10, 2008)