BRITISH MP TO BECOME SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE
In the first round of the election, which took place earlier today, 157 members of the Assembly voted for Mr Davis (absolute majority), with 91 voting for Walter Schwimmer and 51 for Kristiina Ojuland.
Mr. Davis has been a member of the Parliamentary Assembly for twelve years, and President of the Socialist Group in the Assembly since 2002. For the last three years he has worked as the Rapporteur on the conflict in Nagorny Karabakh for the Assembly’s Political Affairs Committee.
Following the announcement of the result, Mr. Davis said: “It is a great honor to be elected Secretary General of the continent's oldest political organization by MPs from 45 countries.
“I have a vision of Europe as part of a world where men and women are treated fairly and equally – a Europe where people live in peace on the basis of mutual respect without any discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin or religious belief – a Europe with no borders, no visas, no passports - a Europe where people have the time and opportunity to enjoy not only their own culture but the cultures of other people. The Council of Europe is the best way to turn that vision into reality”.
The outgoing Secretary General, Walter Schwimmer, congratulated Terry Davis and wished him every success in the interest of the Organization.
The new Secretary General will take up office on 1 September 2004.
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