On behalf of Mary Robinson thank for your interest in supporting her for the new post of president of the European Council.  She is travelling at the moment but below is her response to Margot Wallstrom, Vice President of the European Commission on the issue.

 "I very much appreciate the support you have offered to the campaign being mounted to have me nominated as President of the EU.

 It is humbling and gratifying to be mentioned as a possibility for such a position - particularly when it appears that the campaign is being led by civil society and those interested in issues we both wish to address and progress.

As you know during recent times I have become increasingly focussed on climate change and its negative impacts on the developing world - i.e. on the issue of climate justice. It is a topic of extreme urgency and is proving very time-consuming and demanding.

With this focus I could not commit myself to considering accepting the challenge of the EU Presidency.   I share your aspiration that a woman candidate will become apparent, and indeed successful, for one (or more!) of the senior posts in the EU but that person will not be me.  I would be grateful if you could help me get this message across very clearly to those who have supported the idea of my being a candidate for the EU Presidency."

I hope this is helpful.

Kind regards,

Mary Baylis

Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative

271 Madison Avenue, Suite 1007

New York,  NY 10016

Tel: (212) 895-8082 Fax: (212) 895-8084

www.realizingrights.org

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