SECRETARY-GENERAL WARMLY WELCOMES INTRODUCTION OF EURO
The following was issued today by the Office of the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:
The Secretary-General warmly welcomes the introduction of the euro as the new, common currency for 300 million Europeans.� The adoption of the euro by a dozen countries represents a bold and visionary choice for unity over division, cooperation over conflict, and a common future over a divided past.�
History will record the adoption of the euro as much more than an economic decision.� 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.
It is an example to all the world that unity and diversity can thrive side by side –- that uniting in the cause of economic progress and political stability does not mean sacrificing the unique diversity that characterizes each nation, each people.� It is simply a recognition that nations can achieve much more for their individual citizens when joining forces than when acting alone.
The Secretary-General congratulates the European leaders and nations which have adopted the euro on their decision, and hopes that it may 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.
* *** *
