Cecilia Malmström MEP named Swedish Minister for European Affairs

3.43.51pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 6th Oct 2006

Graham Watson MEP, leader of the European Liberal and Democrat Group in the European Parliament sent his warmest congratulations today to his Swedish Liberal colleague, Cecilia Malmström who has just been confirmed as the European Affairs Minister in the new Swedish Government.

"Our loss is Sweden's gain," said Watson. "Cecilia has been a first class MEP, a champion of transparency and a staunch defender of Human Rights across the world whilst never losing touch with her electorate back home."

"She combine the best of what it means to be an MEP and will undoubtedly set new standards for integrity and honesty in her new ministerial role."

"I am sure we will continue to value her contribution to European politics over the coming months and years ahead, not least in the second half of 2009 when Sweden takes on the Presidency of the European Union."