New York  - The International Olympic Committee was granted observer status by the United Nations general assembly, it emerged Tuesday.

The UN general assembly late Monday night also adopted a resolution to observe the Olympic Truce at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and welcomed the first staging of the football World Cup in Africa (South Africa 2010) in another resolution.

The Olympic Truce resolution titled "Building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal" calls on nations to refrain from armed conflict and to jointly use sports as a tool for peace.

The Olympic Truce was part of the ancient Olympics. Then known as "Ekecheria," it called on the nations to lay down their arms for the duration of the Games.

It was reintroduced in 1993 and the latest edition refers to the Vancouver Olympics and Paralympics as well as the inaugural Youth Olympics later next year in Singapore.

"The widespread support for this resolution speaks not only for its symbolic value, but also for its practical potential. Today the IOC and its member organisations undertake various initiatives ... to promote and strengthen a culture of peace based on the spirit of the Olympic Truce - often in collaboration with UN agencies and other partners," said IOC president Jacques Rogge in a statement.

Greek representative Anastassis Mitsialis said that the ancient Olympics were set up to promote peace. Vancouver organizing committee head John Furlong told the UN the Games were not only about sport but "also about the privileged opportunity to inspire a generation."

Looking at the UN observer status, the IOC said it can now "promote sport at a new level."

Rogge spoke of "a huge recognition of the role sport can play in contributing to a better and more peaceful world.

"The Olympic values clearly match the UN's philosophy. Today's decision further strengthens the partnership between the IOC and the UN system."

In the resolution related to the football World Cup, the UN noted that sports plays an important role in promoting peace, solidarity and socio-economic development.

South African UN ambassador Baso Sangqu told the general assembly the World Cup was "so important in our troubled universe" and pledged that his nation will deliver a first class event. (dpa)