WASHINGTON - Chancellor Helmut Kohl, taking a break from political turmoil at home, formally thanked the United States yesterday for its help in rebuilding Europe after the second World War and reuniting Germany after the Cold War.
Dr Kohl, speaking at ceremonies marking the 50th anniversary of the Marshall Plan, which provided billions of dollars for European reconstruction, said the programme had set Europe on a course of peace and prosperity.
Dr Kohl delivered his remarks at a wreath laying ceremony for former Secretary of State George Marshall, the architect of the plan, at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington.