Brussels, 26/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - On 25 July, the European Parliament welcomed the appointment of its former member, Stavros Lambrinidis, to the post of EU Special Representative for Human Rights, while recalling the demands of the post. EP President Martin Schulz (Social Democrat, Germany) described Lambrinidis as the “best choice” for the position, saying he could count on the EP's support and scrutiny. “Mr Lambrinidis is the best choice for this position. I am very happy to see a committed European in this important new role”, the S&D Group leader, Hannes Swoboda of Austria, said. Véronique de Keyser (S&D, Belgium) added: “Stavros Lambrinidis has always been very outspoken and will without a doubt ensure that the portfolio of human rights will get a higher profile and reach”.
The chairperson of the sub-committee on human rights at the EP, Barbara Lochbihler (Greens/EFA, Germany), wished Lambrinidis luck with his mandate, saying it will not be easy to live up to everyone's expectations. She also said that she looked forward to close and constructive cooperation between Lambrinidis and the human rights committee.
Edward Mc Millan Scott (ALDE, UK) said: “As a lawyer, Lambrinidis will bring discipline and rigour to the new human rights and democracy strategy and action plan adopted by EU foreign ministers on 25 June. (…) Furthermore, as a former MEP, he will understand that the public expects the European Union to do more in this field”.
All spoke of the importance of having an EU Special Representative for Human Rights. Lochbihler said the appointment was also a success for MEPs, as the Parliament has been calling for the creation of such a mandate for years and Lambrinidis' appointment increases the EP's hope of having a strong and united voice in European human rights policy. (CG/transl.jl)