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Annan calls Euro's advent 'bold and visionary' act of political unity

Annan calls Euro's advent 'bold and visionary' act of political unity

Economic Development

Secretary-General Kofi Annan today welcomed the introduction of the Euro - Europe's new common currency - calling it "a bold and visionary choice for unity over division, cooperation over conflict, and a common future over a divided past."

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Mr. Annan said the benefits of the Euro went far beyond economics. "To see peoples and nations which once were enemies come together in the cause of prosperity for all – and to share one currency – is to witness a political act of unity and integration."

The Secretary-General said Europe showed that "uniting in the cause of economic progress and political stability does not mean sacrificing the unique diversity that characterizes each nation, each people." The Euro, he said, proved that nations could achieve much more when joining forces than when acting alone.

Congratulating the dozen European countries which have adopted the Euro, Mr. Annan expressed hope that their new currency would "serve as an example to every part of the world - rich and poor, developed and developing - that uniting in a common cause can bring benefits to all."