23.6.2009 - REVISED

WELCOME BY MR LLUĺS MARIA DE PUIG,

PRESIDENT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

TO MARY MCALEESE, PRESIDENT OF IRELAND

(Strasbourg, Tuesday 23 June 2009, 12 noon, Chamber)


I wish to welcome Her Excellency Mary McAleese, President of Ireland, to the Parliamentary Assembly.

President McAleese, it is an honour to have you among us in Assembly, which prides itself of being a forum for dialogue and mutual understanding. You know all too well the importance of both, as somebody who was born in Northern Ireland and is now the President of Ireland. No wonder you swore to do your utmost in this highest position in order to build bridges between communities and within communities, speaking out against hatred, prejudice and stereotypes. You have played a majour role in anchoring peace and prosperity in Ireland.

This endeavour of yours resonates across all Europe. The common task of the 47 states of the Council of Europe is to build partnerships for peace and democracy as a vital condition for lasting progress and human development, based on human right, democracy and the rule of law. I am pleased that the first Human Rights Prize of our Parliamentary Assembly is awarded tomorrow to the British Irish RIGHTS WATCH.

Your Excellency, you are the longest-serving women as an elected Head of State. Your care for justice, social inclusion and reconciliation has won the hearts of your people. Here, in this Assembly, we look forward to hearing your views and ideas for the future of Europe.

President McAleese, you have the floor.