23/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - On the occasion of the General Affairs Council of 23 February, Council President Brian Cowen unveiled in a meeting room of the EU Council that will henceforth bear his name, a plaque to commemorate Anna Lindh, who was Sweden's Minister for Foreign Affairs, assassinated last year. "Anna worked enthusiastically and energetically for a more effective, legitimate and open European Union. Her contribution, which was consistent and creative, will continue to resonate", the Irish Foreign Minister said. CFSP High Representative Javier Solana said: "When Anna died, a formidable voice fell silent. Hers was a voice of patience and persuasion, of principles and toughness, of vision, relentlessness and commitment (…) Let us recall that voice and, in particular, remember what Anna, a colleague and a friend, a great Swede and a great European, said to all of us". Before holding the post of Foreign Minister, Anna Linda was, from 1994 to 1998, Sweden's Environment Minister.