New European Constitution should offer chance to boost cooperation with UN – Annan

Secretary-General Kofi Annan has welcomed the signing of a new Treaty on Europe's Constitution, voicing hope that the document will offer new opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union (EU).

In a statement released late Friday by his spokesman, the Secretary-General said the signing in Rome by leaders of EU countries marks a “major milestone.”

“This important and positive step opens new horizons for the European Union in the twenty-first century and provides a unique opportunity to preserve and strengthen democracy, peace and prosperity,” he said, expressing hope that the document will bolster UN-EU collaboration in fostering peace and development.