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© REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach/File Photo German Chancellor and chairman of the Christian Democrats (CDU) Helmut Kohl waves to supporters after his conservative party's official opening of the election campaign in Dortmund's sports arena…
Statement from President Clinton on the Passing of Helmut Kohl
I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend, Helmut Kohl, whose visionary leadership prepared Germany and all of Europe for the 21st century.
He was called upon to answer some of the most monumental questions of his time, and in answering them correctly he made possible the reunification of a strong, prosperous Germany and the creation of the European Union. I will never forget walking with him through the Brandenburg Gate in 1994 for a large rally on the eastern side, and seeing genuine hope in the eyes of tens of thousands of young people. I knew at that moment that Helmut Kohl was the man who could help them realize their dreams. History continues to prove that he delivered.
As the world remembers a leader who was strong in more than stature, Hillary and I send our thoughts and prayers to Maike, Helmut's sons, Walter and Peter, and the people of Germany.
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