Catherine Ashton
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission
Strasbourg, 27 September 2011
Mr President, Honourable Members of the European Parliament This years UN General Assembly took place at a time of huge change and growing tension in the world. The combination of the economic crisis, the Arab spring and the stalled Middle East peace process creates a volatile mix. Europe must respond to the challenge - both at home and abroad.
Today - at your request - I will focus on two issues Middle East peace process and the Arab spring. However I would just notify honourable members that during the week in NY I met with ministers from our strategic partners - Russia, China, USA , Brazil, India, Mexico and participated in a number of key events - counter terrorism forum and jointly with UN women an event highlighting the role of women, led by the President of Brazil.
