WORDS BY MR MEVLÜT ÇAVUŞOĞLU,

PRESIDENT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY,

TO MATEO SORINAS, SECRETARY GENERAL

OF THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

(STRASBOURG, 24 JANUARY 2011, AROUND NOON)

Dear Mateo, dear friend,

Today, I would like to thank you most sincerely personally as well as on behalf of all colleagues for these 33 years of hard work in the Assembly Secretariat.

During all these years we have greatly appreciated your advice and support on a wide range of issues, including sometimes very politically sensitive questions.

Your capacity to anticipate political developments has always helped our Assembly react in a timely and appropriate manner to the challenges democracy, rule of law and human rights have to face in our today’s societies. Your consensus-building skills have helped us – politicians with different political and national backgrounds – always stay united around mutually acceptable positions, always based on the respect for the fundamental values and principles our Assembly stands for.

Of course, we know well that during all these years you were supported by a team of competent and dedicated staff who work for the Assembly Secretariat. Your human qualities, open and friendly approach, as well as availability to support and accompany colleagues in their professional development have helped creating an excellent working environment in the Assembly. As members of the Assembly, we know well that we can always rely on the professional and high-quality support of your team whenever necessary.

So, thank you very much once again for your support and dedication! Your outstanding contribution to the Assembly’s work will stay in our memories. You can now turn the page and enjoy new experiences, leaving us in the competent hands of Wojciech and the Secretariat team which you have lead in a highly competent and professional manner for these last five years. We wish you all the best!