PM: EU summit outcome 'great success'

   Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou termed on Thursday night as "Europe's great success in the framework of the Lisbon Treaty" the naming, by European Union leaders during a special summit in Brussels, of Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy as the bloc's first president and of Briton Catherine Ashton as its foreign affairs chief.

   

    Addressing reporters at the end of the summit meeting, Papandreou said Herman Van Rompuy "can express the European partners' cohesion and contribute to the unity of the EU. As regards Catherine Ashton, the Greek premier said she "is a progressive person with great experience in inetrnational economic relations who knows very well economic and climatic crises and who will contribute to the reinforcement of Europe's voice worldwide."

   

    Papandreou further expressed his wish that with Thursday's decisions Europe could "speak more substantially and effectively with a strong voice in the world, defending the interests of the peoples and citizens of the EU."

   

    Referring to Maria Damanaki's appointment to the post of EU Environment Commissioner, replacing Stavros Dimas, the Greek prime minister said he had chosen a "person who has made great contributions to Greek political life through many struggles for Democracy and I am certain she will offer services to Europe from any post."

   

    Lastly, Papandreou paid tribute to outgoing Greek commissioner Dimas for his contribution and accomplished work.

   

   

   

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