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President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, has welcomed the appointment of Herman Van Rompuy, as the first permanent President of the European Council, and Baroness Catherine Ashton as High Representative for Foreign and Security Affairs/Vice President of the European Commission.

EP President Jerzy Buzek said:  

"Our long internal institutional debate is almost over. The European Union can focus more now on the crucial issues facing our citizens.  

The new President should lead the European Council on direction and guarantee continuity.

With the new High Representative position, we have streamlined Europe's voice in the world making it easier to co-operate with our global partners.

We look forward to welcoming Catherine Ashton back to the European Parliament.  The European Parliament will scrutinise her suitability for this new post of Vice-President of the Commission and High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy.  

I am glad that my wishes on the top posts have been respected: I called on the governments to take a decision today, and they have done so.  

I called on Europe's governments to appoint more of co-ordinator than a President; I believe Mr Van Rompuy is a good choice as the first President of European Council, he has always achieved consensus throughout his distinguished career so far.

I called on EU leaders to appoint a woman to one of the posts and they have done so.  We now have a good geographical balance in the EU's top posts."

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For further information
Inga Rosińska, Spokeswoman
Mobile: +32 498 981 354
Richard Freedman, Press Officer
Mobile: +32 498 983 239

Note to Editors
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