28/07/2008 President
, 28.07.2008 – Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) President, Lluis Maria de Puig, today expressed his deepest sadness and sorrow at the death of Lord Russell-Johnston, a former President of the Parliamentary Assembly from 1999 to 2002 and a member for twenty-three years, and extended his condolences to his family.
“It is a sad day for all defenders of justice, peace and humanity. He leaves a great void in the hearts of all Europeans who had the privilege of crossing his path. His passion for European politics and his sense of friendship will always remain”, Lluis Maria de Puig said.
“We need moralpolitik, not realpolitik, was the message that guided him through his longstanding political career. Lord Russell-Johnston always behaved in a European way, basing attitudes on values. He worked relentlessly to extend the boundaries of human rights, because he was convinced that no other approach can so well secure peace, prosperity and freedom.
In the Council of Europe, we are proud of our values, principles and standards. May I thank Lord Russell-Johnston, on behalf of our Assembly, for his tremendous contribution for making a more humane and better place”, PACE President concluded.