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Angela Merkel: A very warm welcome to Germany!
Wednesday, June 7, 2006
Successful preparations draw to a close - the whole of Germany is looking forward to the start of the World Cup. At the FIFA congress in Munich, Chancellor Merkel thanked everybody who has contributed to this success: FIFA, the Organising Committee, and last but not least all the volunteers working at the World Cup.
The people of Germany will bring the World Cup motto alive: A Time to Make Friends - we're looking forward to it, said the Chancellor and added: "Along with all our guests we want to celebrate an exciting, fascinating and happy festival of football."
Football brings people and cultures together
The World Cup is the greatest international sports event in the world, along with the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Organising a World Cup is a great feat. Chancellor Merkel said FIFA bore a tremendous responsibility. But FIFA is more than just the organiser of World Cups. Its long term aim is the promotion of football as a worldwide and integrative sport, including support for the 207 national associations.
FIFA and the Federal Government: A successful partnership
FIFA's responsibilities include conveying important values like solidarity and fair play.
Constant vigilance is required in the battle against doping and match fixing, Merkel commented.
The Federal Government remains a reliable partner for FIFA, assured the Chancellor. This also includes preparations for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa which also has the support of the Federal Government.
Merkel said she had her fingers crossed for all the teams at this World Cup. The Chancellor closed her speech by wishing the Germany team well.
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