01/04/2008 President
PACE President Lluís Maria de Puig paid homage in Lisbon to the two winners of the North-South Prize 2008, Simone Veil and Kofi Annan, whose "exceptional qualities and universal standing have helped overcome the greatest cleavages and promote the most difficult causes, thanks to their profound and unfailing attachment to human rights and the dignity of all".
Referring to the prizewinners' work and careers, Mr de Puig spoke of Simone Veil's devotion to the remembrance of history and cultural co-operation, "key elements in building a common European future". He described women's rights, constantly upheld by Mrs Veil, as being of paramount importance, pointing out that a debate on access to safe and legal abortion in Europe would be one of the highlights of the next Assembly session.
The PACE President also praised the reform of the United Nations embarked upon by Kofi Annan and his ongoing concern to promote social cohesion. "Like you, we stand for the idea that overcoming poverty, precarious living and disease begins with respect for the human rights and dignity of all, with no distinction as to race, ethnic background or religion", he said.
The North-South Prize has been awarded each year since 1995 by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe to two eminent figures, one from the North and one from the South, who have distinguished themselves in fields such as human rights protection, the upholding of pluralist democracy or consolidation of North-South partnership and solidarity.