US, UN share same lofty founding ideals: Annan

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2005

UNITED NATIONS (AFP) — UN Secretary General Kofi Annan praised the principles that led to the formation of United Nations, likening them to the same lofty ideals that led to the founding of the United States more than two centuries ago.

Annan made his remarks at a graduation ceremony at the University of Pennsylvania, where he received an honorary degree and delivered the commencement address.

"The United States of America is not just a country -- it is an idea. It is the idea described in the Declaration of Independence, which Benjamin Franklin and others signed here in Philadelphia -- that all human beings are created equal, and have inalienable rights," Annan said, according to a transcript released before the speech.

"The United Nations is an idea, too....