Martin SCHULZ, EP President,&nbsp;expresses himself on V&aacute;clav HAVEL, former and last president of Czechoslovakia, during the EP Plenary session (03-06/10) in Strasbourg.&nbsp;

statement

Strasbourg

plenary session

HAVEL, Vaclav

SCHULZ, Martin (S&D, DE)

Tribute to Václav HAVEL, former President of Czech Republic by Martin SCHULZ, EP President

SOUNDBITE (German): Dear colleagues, today we have heard several speeches including the one of COM Vice President Timmermans, this homage to Vaclav Havel. This European man of State would have celebrated his 80th birthday, a fascinating personality, a man with strong back bone, who fighted against dictatorship and for democracy. He did not only free Czechoslovakia, at this time, from the Soviet yoke, he also led the way for his country to join the European Union. I think that Vaclav Havel and his life achievement is a legacy for all those who believe in a Europe of respect, tolerance and freedom, therefore it is necessary to revive the memory of this great man.