Verbatim report of proceedings

Thursday, 20 September 2001 - Brussels

8. Welcome

  President. – Before we continue with the vote colleagues, it is my pleasure to inform you that Mrs Chantal Compaore, wife of the President of Burkina Faso and Goodwill Ambassador of the Organisation for the Unity of Africa against female genital mutilation, and Mrs Shamin Kahn, Deputy Minister for Social Affairs of Tanzania have now taken their seats in the official gallery. I wish to extend to them a very warm welcome on behalf of this House.

(Loud applause)