Merkel: "Euro Is Basis for Our Prosperity"

German Chancellor Angela Merkel Friday stressed the importance of the euro to Germany despite recent problems, calling the common currency the basis of European prosperity. "Europe stands in these months in the middle of a great test," Mrs. Merkel said, according to an advance copy of her New Year's Eve speech to be delivered later in the day.

"We have to strengthen the euro," she said. "Germany needs Europe and our common currency."  Mrs. Merkel said the euro is much more than a currency. "The euro is the basis of our prosperity," she said.

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