At the start of this week's Strasbourg session of the European Parliament, EP President Jerzy Buzek expressed sorrow at the situation in Haiti and at the execution of a British citizen in China.  

"Today my thoughts are with the people of Haiti affected by the great tragedy of the earthquake" Mr Buzek told the House. Individual countries of Europe and the whole Union have pledged substantial financial assistance and 150 EU police officers are being sent.  The President also said "It is with great sadness that I must inform you that Ms Pilar Juarez Boal, deputy director of the EU Delegation in Haiti, is still believed to be missing". Ms Juarez Boal previously worked at Parliament.

Mr Buzek voiced regret at the execution in China of Akmal Shaikh, a British citizen.  He added "The European Parliament has always condemned and condemns the death penalty and will continue its efforts to achieve a moratorium on executions".

With the EP having received no official information yet about the result of the first round of presidential elections in Ukraine, Mr Buzek said he hoped they had been conducted fairly and that the same would apply to the second round.

From 1 January, Spain took over the Presidency of the EU Council.  Mr Buzek looked forward to seeing the new Presidency achieve its objectives under the Lisbon Treaty.

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