Strasbourg, 15/01/2003 (Agence Europe) - After the second round, the former national ombudsman for Greece, Nikiforos Diamandouros, won 294 votes against 215 by British Conservative Roy Perry, who immediately congratulated the new European Ombudsman after the results of the vote had been proclaimed by Pat Cox. Welcoming the work accomplished when Mr Söderman was Ombudsman, Mr Perry said he was pleased the post remained "in good hands". Council President Tassos Yiannitsis stressed the qualities of all the candidates before going on to add: "I believe the European Parliament has made an excellent choice". Mr Diamandouros was "a university friend" and they have been friends for many years, he noted. "Greece is losing you with this vote", Commissioner Chris Patten noted, welcoming the considerable qualities and experience of Mr Diamandouros who, he said, is far more than "a friend of Ms Diamantopoulou" (the Greek Commissioner sitting next to Mr Patten in the Chamber).
In a press release, Jacob Söderman affirmed that he was convinced Mr Diamandouros would be dedicated to his work for European citizens. He said his experience in the field of defending citizens' rights would be a great asset as would the fact that he successfully set up an ombudsman's office in Greece.
During a press conference, Mr Diamandouros stressed the challenges he is preparing to face, especially in light of enlargement. He thanked Mr Söderman for his assistance in setting up the Greek ombudsman's office.
A professor in political science, Nikiforos Diamandouros is 60 and speaks Greek, English, French and Italian.