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Annan sees contest to host Olympics as good omen for friendly international competition

Annan sees contest to host Olympics as good omen for friendly international competition

Kofi Annan
Congratulating the United Kingdom on having its capital chosen to host the 2012 summer Olympic Games, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today said the intensity and drama in the competition was “a good omen for friendly international competition on and off the sports field.”

Congratulating the United Kingdom on having its capital chosen to host the 2012 summer Olympic Games, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today said the intensity and drama in the competition was “a good omen for friendly international competition on and off the sports field.”

“I heard the news of London's Olympic win while driving through (London’s) Trafalgar Square,” he said in his message. “I am delighted by the city's success. I have no doubt that this will be a magnificent international sporting event. Good for the world, good for the United Kingdom.”

He also sympathized with the cities that lost this time around in the hotly contested decision.