On behalf of the European Parliament, I condemn the Syrian regime for the abhorrent massacre in Houla. Our thoughts and condolences go to the families of the victims - many of whom are young children.
The President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz will pay a two-day official visit to Turkey on Monday and Tuesday (28 - 29 May). President Schulz will meet with the highest Turkish officials: President Gül, Prime Minister Erdoğan and Speaker Çiçek.
vor 180 Jahren zogen Fahnen schwingend und singend Studenten und Abgeordnete; Handwerker und Bauern; Journalisten und Anwälte; Tagelöhner und Dienstboten; Polen, Franzosen und Deutsche Seite an Seite auf das Hambacher Schloss; vereint unter dem Ziel: Freiheit, Einheit und Demokratie.
Ich freue mich, dass Sie mir heute Abend die Gelegenheit geben, von dieser Stelle aus ein paar Gedanken zum "Demokratischen Europa" zu formulieren. Diese Gedanken sollen nicht abschließend oder gar endgültig sein, sondern sie stellen eine erste Skizze dar, an der ich auch mit Ihrer Hilfe in den nächsten Monaten weiterarbeiten möchte.
The European Parliament is delighted that you are meeting here today to talk about ways of stimulating growth in Europe. Since the start of the crisis in October 2008, 24 summits have been convened, but today's is the first to focus on growth. This has created huge expectations, which you must meet - by taking concrete decisions - by June at the latest.
I congratulate Mr Nikolić on his election as Serbia's new president. I am particularly glad that both parliamentary and presidential elections on 6 May and 20 May were fair and peaceful. Those elections came at a crucial time, both for Serbia and the European Union. Growing unemployment and poverty is undermining faith in the European project, giving rise to egoism and nationalism across the continent.
Parliament's contempt for the perpetrators of the brutal bombing of a school in Brindisi, and its sympathy for the victims and their families, was voiced by President Martin Schulz in his opening of the May session on Monday. Mr Schulz also conveyed Parliament's sympathy to victims of the Emilia-Romagna earthquake
I have come to meet you in Athens today because I have the feeling that we in Europe have spoken far too much recently about Greece, and far too little with the Greeks. We Europeans should learn to listen to each other once again.
The President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz will pay a working visit to Athens this Friday 18 May 2012, to meet with Greek political party leaders and civil society representatives including youth groups and pensioners' representatives. This is the second visit to Athens by President Schulz. The first took place on 28 February 2012.
After an intensive, honest and constructive exchange, we came to common conclusions. Prime Minister Azarov answered positively to my two proposals. I asked the Ukrainian government to accept that the European Parliament send a group of doctors [...] to Ukraine to ensure a full and independent medical treatment of Ms Tymoshenko. This should be done with the personal agreement of Ms Tymoshenko and in consultation with the Ukrainian side.
I welcome the new momentum worldwide in the debate for the protection, recognition and advancement of civil rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender persons. I welcome the fact that this year's theme for the international day is youth and education: bullying against homosexuals, bisexual and transgender people, especially in their youth, can be profoundly traumatising. Europe's core values of tolerance and mutual respect must constitute the defence against all forms of discrimination and harassment against LGBT persons.
I congratulate Wolfgang Schäuble for the honour of receiving such an important award. The Charlemagne Prize honours the long years and tireless efforts of a convinced European to make the European Union more effective, more democratic and more understandable for citizens - even sometimes in the face of opposition from political allies.
These elections mark a new stage in Algeria's democratisation process, but more ambitious, more inclusive and further‑reaching reforms are needed. The onus is now on the new National Parliamentary Assembly and other Algerian institutions to pay heed to the aspirations of all Algerians, both those who voted and those who chose not to.
It fills me with pride that an ever increasing number of European citizens contribute to sustainable development by demanding Fair Trade products. Data suggests that last year the value of Fair trade products in the EU surpassed the 3 billion Euros mark for the very first time and this is largely due to the over 100.000 dedicated volunteers who form the backbone of the Fair Trade movement in Europe.
Thanks to its increased power in the oversight of international agreements following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the European Parliament will ensure that the EU commercial and foreign policy interests match with its core values of human rights, democracy and a free society. This resolution serves as a valid blueprint for the strengthening of Euro-Mediterranean economic and commercial relations following the Arab Spring. It stands as a proof of the European Parliament's coherence and genuine commitment in deepening cooperation between the two shores of the Mediterranean. The end-goal remains the creation of a functioning and inclusive Euro-Med Free Trade Area.
This was the first ever visit of a Burma/Myanmar parliament delegation to the European Parliament, following my personal invitation. It served the triple purpose of increasing mutual confidence, giving recognition to the Burmese leadership for the reforms carried out so far and to discuss the steps ahead in EU-Burma/Myanmar relations.
President Schulz condemned the growing intimidation of human rights activists in Bahrain and Egypt, and paid a posthumous tribute to journalist and MEP Miguel Portas, in his opening address at the Brussels mini-session on Wednesday.
No one stands in greater need of a growth pact today than the young: the present young generation in Europe is in danger of being sacrificed to the financial crisis - of becoming our continent's 'lost generation'. It was not young people who caused the crisis, yet they are paying a disproportionately high price to rescue States and banks. Already, one in four Europeans under the age of 25 is unemployed, and in many countries the figure is one in two.
The result of the general elections in Greece needs to be calmly analysed to find out what is feasible. The outcome of the vote does not merit any overreaction.
"Congratulations to François Hollande. Now it's time for a change of direction in Europe", said Martin Schulz, president of the European Parliament, following the results of Presidential elections in France. "On top of fiscal consolidation, which is necessary, the EU is now ready for a growth policy, which is what the European Parliament has been calling for for a long time".
Press freedom is never achieved once and for all: it is something that must be nourished and fought for every day. Threats to this fragile liberty never disappear, they just become more subtle; thus the need for an ever stronger vigilance by civil society and a sounder regulatory framework to safeguard access and pluralism.
The President of the European Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the UfM (AP-UFM), Martin Schulz, and Secretary General Sijilmassi, highlight the importance of promoting projects that foster job creation and socio-economic development in the Mediterranean regions.
For the first time in the history of the European Union, collapse of the EU has become a realistic scenario. The close cooperation which exists between the Commission and Parliament is therefore an important sign that we are defending the Community method with determination. This is particularly the case at a time when the situation in many Member States is that xenophobia is growing, the euro is being called into question and Europe's open internal borders within the Schengen Area are threatened.
Thanks to the Lisbon Treaty we have actually been able to take things a stage further: to give our common security and defence policy (CSDP) a face and a voice, we now have a High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, with an administrative policy-implementation body in the form of the European External Action Service. There has been similarly rapid development of the financial instruments at our disposal. Currently, for example, we are working to set up a European Endowment for Democracy (EED) which will make us more flexible and better able to respond in support of the processes of democratic transition taking place in the Arab world. These developments are to be welcomed: they are major advances, for which the advocates of a stronger Europe have long been campaigning. Nonetheless, given that we are here today to think outside the box, I feel bound, as President of the European Parliament and simply as an MEP, to join you in questioning how Parliament fits into the overall picture.
I want the debate on ACTA to be open and transparent. Citizens' opinions and concerns have to be listened to when taking decisions on issues affecting their daily lives. Decisions taken behind closed doors do not contribute to regaining people's trust in the EU. The European Parliament takes seriously citizens' participation in the debate. The almost 2.5 million signatures in the petition we received on ACTA is a very welcome sign of involvement and interest.
The brinksmanship between Sudan and South Sudan risks trapping the two sides in a logic of war from which it will be increasingly more difficult to escape. The vicious circle of extreme and belligerent declarations makes a ceasefire more difficult to achieve. It moves us every day a step forward towards open war.
I regret the decision of Switzerland to discriminate against eight EU Member States. This goes against the spirit and letter of what Switzerland has already signed up to. EU nationals in Switzerland benefit the Swiss economy.
You, Your Majesty, in contrast to others, have chosen to listen to the calls of the Jordanian people by bringing your country on the path of political and economic reforms.
President Schulz opened the session by welcoming twelve Croatian observer MEPs. Taking part in group and committee meetings would prepare them to represent their citizens fully when Croatia joins the EU, hopefully on 1 July 2013, he said, adding that Croatia's desire to join shows that "despite the economic crisis, the EU is still pulling together".
"I welcome the release of former presidential candidate Andrei Sannikaw and the political activist Dzmitry Bandarenka. This is good news, but sixteen months too late. These freedom fighters should not have been imprisoned in the first place.
We welcome the UN Resolution, the first one adopted unanimously by the Security Council, authorising the deployment of an international observation mission on the ground. This resolution proves that the international community is united and speaks with one voice, calling on the regime to keep its ceasefire commitments and immediately put an end to violence against its population.
North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un should quickly abandon this worrying path of international isolation and confrontation. Today's failed rocket launch is a dramatic symbol of the distance between the North Korean leadership and the real needs of its deprived and starving people.
It is with great concern that I have received the news of the worsening health conditions of human rights defender Abdulhadi al-Khawaja in Bahrain. I call on the Bahraini authorities to urgently take all the necessary measures to protect al-Khawaja's life. The Bahraini authorities have the power and responsibility to avert a looming tragedy.
Landmines and cluster munitions are weapons that deliberately hit professional military and civilians alike. In the recent example of the use of landmines along the Syrian borders with Turkey and Lebanon, civilians fleeing the country were the prime target. This is a further proof of the dishonesty of the Syrian regime and I condemn it fully.
The European Parliament is a strong advocate of cooperation with domestic observer organisations which should be on the front line whenever an election process takes place. International observers, such as the EU, are only temporarily deployed in a country; they come and go. Domestic organisations are there to stay.
I am encouraged by the by-election in Myanmar, despite reported irregularities, which I hope will be addressed promptly by the authorities. I am convinced this vote will be deemed as historic. If followed by further reforms, it could be a turning point in Myanmar's history, marking the departure from autocracy to the path of democracy. Myanmar's people and the whole world have waited for this for half a century.
Noch nie stand Europa vor so großen Herausforderungen wie heute. Die Wirtschafts- und Schuldenkrise dauert an. Armut und Arbeitslosigkeit wachsen. Heute sind bereits 23 Millionen Menschen in Europa arbeitslos, darunter sieben Millionen Jugendliche. In EU- Ländern wie Griechenland und Spanien hat fast jeder zweite Jugendliche keinen Job. Noch viele mehr sind in einer fatalen Spirale aus Arbeitslosigkeit, Zeitverträgen und unbezahlten Praktika gefangen. Einer Spirale, die allzu oft in Wut oder Resignation mündet.
Our Parliament has repeatedly expressed concern with regard to the issue of pre-trial detention, and specifically with regard to Mr Şik's case. We will continue our ongoing observation.
The recent callous and cowardly murder of three soldiers, three children and a teacher in Montauban and Toulouse must strengthen Parliament's resolve to uphold the values of mutual respect and tolerance, said its President Schulz, opening the Brussels mini-session.
"I congratulate President-elect Macky Sall on his victory in the Presidential elections in Senegal. After the tense election season, I particularly welcome the ongoing smooth and peaceful transition of power in Senegal and call on all parties to continue showing restraint.
Our assembly was born out of a shared will to establish a forum for regular, open political dialogue so that we can face together the many global challenges which have a particular bearing on the future of the Mediterranean region: peace, dialogue between cultures, sustainable development, environmental protection, access to drinking water, urbanisation, the development of renewable energy sources, intercultural exchanges and technological innovation, to name but a few.
Today's visit has confirmed me that the privileged partnership between the EU and Morocco rests on solid foundations. I stressed how, if Morocco continues on its path of reforms, it can veritably aspire to be a role model for other countries in the Arab world and a stabilising factor in the region.
I am convinced that a comprehensive partnership with the Southern shore of the Mediterranean can be an incredible lever to re-ignite growth for the EU, Northern Africa and the Middle East. With the recent vote on the trade agreement with Morocco, the European Parliament proved that it is serious about improving relations with its Southern neighbours. Our support for democratic reforms and transformations in the Mediterranean region needs to be accompanied with tangible actions.
In fact, the opposite is true. Vociferous calls for cuts in the EU budget may be popular, but they are highly irresponsible. After all, cutting back on the EU budget means cutting back on the most powerful form of economic stimulus available in the EU. At a time of crisis, we need that stimulus more than ever to promote growth and jobs. This debate is particularly topical because in 2013 the EU’s current financial framework will expire, so that a new one must now be negotiated. Parliament is well prepared for the negotiations. As long ago as June 2010, one year before the Commission put forward its first proposal concerning the new multiannual financial framework, Parliament set up a special committee, the SURE committee.
Access to clean water and sanitation should be considered as a basic right - and as the European Parliament resolution stated - it should not be a source of illegitimate profit. I am happy to see that some states have made concrete progress to protect this right in their legal system.
I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak today at the opening event in the series ‘Speeches on Germany and Europe’. I would like to thank Sigmar Gabriel for his efforts in arranging this new series of events to be held in the Willy Brandt House. This shows that the SPD, as Germany’s most resolutely pro-European party, has understood just how important the debate on the future of Europe in the 21st century is. The timing of today’s event is good: yesterday someone I admire very much, Egon Bahr, celebrated his 90th birthday. Egon, please accept my very best wishes as you enter your 91st year. I hope you will continue to contribute to the debates on issues you feel strongly about, because we need your good advice more than ever. Just as you, together with Willy Brandt, made the world a safer place by devising and implementing the Ostpolitik, so we today want to safeguard peace and prosperity on our continent by driving European integration forward.
"I congratulate the new German President Joachim Gauck on his election. I am sure Joachim Gauck will be an excellent President of Germany. I look forward to working with President Gauck and welcoming him to the European Parliament in due course.
One year after the uprising against the regime in Syria, the Syrian people are the victims of a daily violence and atrocities. The latest bloodshed in Damascus is another example of tragic loss of life. The UN estimates more than 8,000 people have been killed in this terrible violence.
I am appalled by the reported execution of Uladzislau Kavalyou in Belarus. On behalf of the European Parliament, I send condolences to the family. I deeply regret that the Belarusian authorities did not listen to the repeated calls to halt the execution by the EU institutions and international human rights organisations.
I congratulate Nicolae Timofti for his election as President of Moldova. I am happy that the Moldovan people finally have a president after 2.5-year long institutional stalemate. The European Parliament was heavily involved in helping Moldova to overcome this challenge. I welcome the newly elected president's declared support for the pro-European course of his country. I am looking forward to meeting him in the European Parliament.
I welcome the adoption of the resolution on discriminatory internet sites and government reactions by a broad majority in this House. It is the task of the European Parliament to defend fundamental values of non-discrimination and freedom of movement. The European Parliament will defend these fundamental values and condemn such transgressions in the Member States. I strongly condemn the website launched by the PVV, as it goes against the fundamental European values of human dignity, freedom, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights.
I was deeply saddened to learn that President Lukashenka has refused to pardon Uladzislau Kavalyou and Dzmitry Kanavalau, who have been sentenced to death for a bomb attack at the Minsk underground. Their conviction came despite strong doubts about their role in this tragic event. According to human rights organisations, their trial did not meet with international standards. I call on President Lukashenka to reconsider his decision.
Last night there was a tragic road accident in Switzerland. A Belgian coach carrying 52 passengers crashed in a tunnel, and at least 28 people, including 22 children, were killed. We are all deeply shocked.
The 11 March 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster was caused by humans, and could have been prevented, said EP President Martin Schulz in his plenary opening address. Marking the 11 March remembrance day for victims of terrorism, he condemned "cowardly, anonymous" attacks like that on Madrid in 2004. He also condemned the killing of thousands of Syrians by President Bashar al-Assad's "brutal dictatorship" since the start of the Arab Spring.
I congratulate Robert Fico and his Smer party for a clear and convincing victory in the parliamentary elections in Slovakia. Robert Fico is a committed European and I particularly welcome his determination and solidarity in contributing to the stabilisation of the Eurozone.
On this day our thoughts are with all the victims of terrorism in Europe and beyond, from Madrid to London, from Norway to Germany. On this day, we stand close to the families which have been torn apart because of these inhumane and atrocious deeds.
The Japanese people have given a remarkable example of dignity, resilience and preparedness on the occasion of the earthquake. The efforts and speed of the reconstruction work in Japan have been truly remarkable.
I welcome the agreement between Greece and investors on a voluntary bond swap. The agreement is a major step towards bringing Greek debt to sustainable levels and towards restoring stability in the euro zone. A successful bond swap agreement is a pre-condition for final approval of the second 130 billion euro aid package for Greece agreed last month.
"Equal pay for work of equal value is one of the central issues to achieve social justice in our continent," stated European Parliament President Martin Schulz opening the conference to celebrate International Women's Day at the European Parliament in Brussels. "It's a disgrace that women are paid less than men for the same job. This leaves me speechless, as there are no words to describe such an injustice".
I have closely followed the presidential elections and their outcome in Russia. I have taken note of the conclusions made by the international observers. I am concerned that the electoral process lacked fairness, notably with regards to a limited choice of candidates and irregularities in the procedure. I expect the authorities to investigate those reported irregularities quickly. I regret that candidates did not have equal access to media and state resources. Most of the media clearly favoured one candidate. I welcome the reawakening of civil activism in Russia, which was clearly visible at peaceful countrywide protests during the campaign.
Today's legislative elections in Iran, independently from the turnout, fall short of any democratic standards and are merely a way of measuring internal power struggles within the regime. Today's elections are not a "slap in the face for arrogant powers" of the West; they are a slap in the face for Iranian citizens.
My visit to Athens this week offered the starkest possible reminder of just how serious the situation still is. I have seldom been so moved and so shocked when visiting another country. For that reason, I would urge you to talk to the people who feel the often painful impact of your decisions in their daily lives. With people who are demonstrating on the streets; with pensioners who, after a life of hard work, are now being forced to accept one cut after another in their standard of living; with young people who feel that they have been robbed of their future.
I congratulated Prime Minister Kubilius for the success of his government's economic recovery programme. The Lithuanian people's patience with austerity measures and structural reforms is now rewarded by the return of economic growth. We shared the view that governments should spare no effort to contain the sovereign debt crisis. Otherwise, it will pose a threat to our European project. We also agreed that the European Union's next long-term budget, the Multi-Annual Financial Framework, should not be cut. The EU budget is a powerful investment vehicle, which creates jobs and stimulates growth.
I have come to Athens today to acknowledge your work as the representatives of the Greek people. We are only too aware of the heavy burden you have borne, of the fateful decisions you have been required to take in recent days and months. As a fellow parliamentarian, I understand how difficult it is for politicians to take decisions whose implications go well beyond electoral timescales, in the knowledge that those decisions may even cost them re-election. Your situation is similar to that of other parliamentarians in other European countries; parliamentarians on whose decision to approve the new aid package their own reputations, and the health of their countries' finances, will rest for decades; parliamentarians in crisis-wracked countries, who, like you, are being forced to take painful and yet unavoidable decisions. Setting aside these considerations, you have shown a sense of responsibility towards the people of this country and acted patriotically.
I deeply regret this decision. It is a disproportionate, unhelpful and counterproductive step. It harms further the relations between Belarus and the European Union. I consider it a hostile act. Instead of choosing increasing self-isolation, Minsk should make the right choice for its people and open itself towards democracy. As the first step, Belarus should release unconditionally and rehabilitate all political prisoners.
The latest reform programme for Greece must be fully implemented so that Greece has the opportunity to return to growth and restore its public finances to health. All means necessary have to be used to get Greece back on the right track including the use of so far unspent structural funds, funds that are directed particularly at SMEs and start-ups, as well as using funding from the European Investment Bank. All of these combined could give a chance to re-launch the Greek economy.
Today I stand before you not only as the President of the European Parliament but also as a German whose response to the brutality and inhumanity, the murders committed here by Germans, is a sense of deep distress and shame. It is difficult to find the right words to express my feelings, my sorrow.
The President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz will address the Hellenic Parliament on Tuesday 28 February at 19.00 (Greek time (CET +1). The intervention will be followed by a debate with Greek Members of Parliament. President Schulz is the first non-Greek politician to address the Hellenic Parliament in recent months.
I congratulate the Yemeni people for successfully putting an end to Ali Abdullah Saleh's 33 years of rule. 21 February 2012 was an historic day for Yemen. Early turnout figures point to a massive support for the transition. I regret that some polling stations have been attacked and closed earlier because of violence. I send my condolences to the families and victims of those who have lost their lives trying to exercise their legitimate voting rights. I unreservedly condemn these attacks.
I wish to demonstrate the European Parliament's support for the enormous efforts of the Italian people and its government to tackle the crisis and re-launch the Italian economy. I also want to pay tribute to the unconditional commitment to Europe of the President of the Italian Republic Giorgio Napolitano and Prime Minister Mario Monti.
Today's EP consent on the trade agreement with Morocco shows that the European Parliament is serious about improving relations with its Southern neighbours. Our support for democratic reforms and transformations in the Mediterranean region needs to be accompanied with tangible deeds. Reinforcing trade relations in agriculture and fisheries is a key component of this strategy.
The EU and the international community are showing that there is a growing unity and strength against the Syrian regime. Bashar al-Assad's leadership is completely discredited both at home and abroad. His proposal to submit a new constitution to a referendum before a nation at war is inconceivable.Those responsible for the continuing systematic killing of civilians and massive human rights violations should be brought to justice and held accountable for their deeds.
Kavalenka's life is now under threat from the hunger strike against his unjustified imprisonment. I urge the Belarusian authorities to release him immediately and unconditionally and to provide him with the necessary medical assistance.
The fact that Saudi journalist Hamza Kashgari faces the death penalty for posting "blasphemous" comments on Twitter, and the opening of a Dutch web site to collect complaints against central and east Europeans, were criticized as affronts to universal and EU values by President Martin Schulz at the opening of the Strasbourg plenary session.
I stated my disappointment to Vice Minister Zhang at the stance China has held together with Russia at the UN Security Council on the 4 February vote on the resolution on Syria. With their vetoes, China and Russia have impeded the United Nations to pave the way for a resolution of the crisis in Syria. Assad's regime is indiscriminately killing the Syrian people and it must be stopped.
I welcome the announcement on the creation of a national Palestinian unity government. All parties in the Palestinian territories need to work towards Palestinian national reconciliation and state-building. I look forward to the details of the composition of the new government and to the exact date for parliamentary and presidential elections in the Palestinian territories. I am confident that the electoral process will be inclusive and peaceful.
The President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz has congratulated the new President of Finland Sauli Niinisto and made the following statement: "President Sauli Niinisto is an experienced and highly capable politician, he is a true European. I warmly congratulate and look forward to working with him.
"On behalf of the European Parliament, I condemn the terrible atrocities committed in the name of the Syrian regime against civilians in Homs. My thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims. A massacre of innocent civilians has taken place.
I am honoured and pleased to reaffirm personally to Mr Jebali the support of the European Parliament to the Tunisian people and its new government. I very much value the fact that the first official visit of Mr Jebali in his new capacity as Head of Government is paid to the EU institutions and the European Parliament in particular. It is a strong signal of Tunisia's commitment to further enhance its partnership with the EU.
The fiscal pact raises budgetary discipline to the status of a panacea for all the ills associated with the debt crisis and lays down national debt ceilings and automatic penalties. Yes, sensible budget policies are essential in order to keep national indebtedness under control. Yes, reducing debt is a simple matter of intergenerational justice, otherwise one day we will find ourselves in the shameful situation of bequeathing to our children not a house, but only a mortgage on a house. Ensuring that another crisis does not occur is not enough, it is all very necessary, but alone and accompanied by austerity measures in many Member States, it will not bring much needed economic growth and jobs.
When I met with the representatives of the Jewish community in Europe some weeks ago, and when we discussed how to organise a commemoration of the holocaust in the year 2012, it was quite obvious that one date plays a major role; the 20th of January, because the 20th of January 1942 was the day of the so-called Wannsee Conference. 70 years ago, on the 20th of January, in Berlin, Reinhardt Heydrich and Adolf Eichmann and many high-ranking representatives from the ministries of the Hitler regime, decided the so-called 'Endlösung'; the 'final decision'. Difficult to pronounce it: 'End... Lösung'. This was nothing less than a decision by the government of a country to exterminate all Jewish people. We all know that they succeeded in killing 6 million. Men and women, children, old and young people, from all countries in Europe and in the world.
I deplore today's decision by the Minsk district court to dismiss an appeal against a four and a half year prison sentence for Ales Bialiatski, a prominent human right activist. This is another bad day for justice in Belarus.The European Parliament believes that the tax evasion charges against Bialiatski have been politically motivated and unjustified. Bialiatski should be released unconditionally along with the remaining 14 political prisoners, including two former presidential candidates.
On this anniversary, I would like to pay tribute to the Egyptian people for their courage, their vigilance and passion for democracy. Elections have so far taken place in a relatively peaceful and organised manner. I hope that all political forces will continue to be given the opportunity to compete fairly in the upcoming polls. I congratulate the Members of the People's Assembly and the Speaker Dr Saad Al-Katatny on their election. I look forward to discuss personally bilateral relations between our institutions.
The positive result of the referendum is a clear indicator of the continuing attractiveness of the EU. Membership is the right reward for the remarkable progress achieved by Croatia in its path to reforms in the recent years.
MEPs elected Martin Schulz to be the new European Parliament president with 387 votes in favour out of 670 cast. The 56-year old German MEP will lead the European parliament for two and half years, until the beginning of the next legislature in July 2014.
Thank you for this overwhelming show of confidence. Prior to today's election, most of you probably saw me simply as the chair of a political group, one other than your own, in the European Parliament. I am honoured by the trust which you have nevertheless seen fit to place in me today. I will do everything I can not to betray that trust and to give our Parliament a powerful voice. I intend to carry out the office of President of the European Parliament in such a way that those who voted for me today can take pride in having done so, and those who did not vote for me today are pleasantly surprised. I will be the President of all Members of the European Parliament and defend your rights! I also owe a debt of gratitude to you, President Buzek. You were the first President of an EU institution to emerge from the independence movements in Eastern Europe. By virtue of that fact, you have come to symbolise the triumph of democracy.
