Liberal Democrat Group Leader in EP congratulates his predecessor

12.00.00am GMT Tue 13th Dec 2005

Graham Watson, Leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament congratulated Pat Cox on his election to the position of President of the European Movement International.

"Pat is the right man at the right time. His campaigning zeal and experience, his wide network of contacts, his strong pro-European credentials and his formidable reputation will stand both him and the European Movement in good stead at this challenging time dominated by the need to reconnect Europe with its citizens," said Watson

Pat Cox is a former leader of the Liberal Group (1998- 2002) before becoming President of the European Parliament (January 2002- June 2004).

Pat was elected by the Federal Council in London comprising 120 delegates representing the members of the European Movement International (EMI). He will take over the chairmanship of the organisation from José Maria Gil-Robles, also former president of the European Parliament.