SPEECH BY MR MEVLÜT ÇAVUŞOĞLU, PRESIDENT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE, FOR Mr GUIDO WESTERWELLE, DEPUTY FEDERAL CHANCELLOR AND FEDERAL MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF GERMANY

(STRASBOURG, MONDAY 4 OCTOBER 2010, 3.00 P.M.)

Dear Minister,

Thank you very much for coming to address this chamber at a crucial moment of the existence of the Council of Europe and the day after the 20^th Anniversary of German reunification, which changed the course of history far beyond your country.

As you are well aware, during the past 61 years our Organisation has become a reference point in the field of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. But in a fast-changing world, our values and standards need to be protected and developed further.

Adapting the Council of Europe to these new challenges is vitally important. The ongoing reform process can only succeed with a strong political impulse coming from our member states. We need the personal involvement and fresh ideas of our member states’ political elite, both governmental and parliamentary.

Dear Minister, your contribution to our debate today is so valuable, not only because you represent Germany, one the driving engines of European integration, but also because of your professional qualities. You have been closely involved both in legal matters as a trained lawyer, and in politics, as a leading figure and a chairman of the FDP party in Germany. You are also known for your original personal style of “Spasspolitik” (fun politics) which aims at bringing complex political matters in a more friendly way to voters, and especially to young people.

We look forward to listening to your contribution. Minister, you have the flooor.