Hoyer Hails Election of Rep. Hastings as President of OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

Hoyer Hails Election of Rep. Hastings as President of OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement regarding the election today in Edinburgh, Scotland, of Congressman Alcee Hastings (D-FL) as President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE-PA). Congressman Hoyer is the former Chairman and Ranking Democrat on Congress's Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (the Helsinki Commission), as well as a member of the OSCE-PA.

"The election of Congressman Hastings as President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is not only a tremendous honor for Alcee personally, but an important landmark for the United States. Alcee is the first American selected to head the Parliamentary Assembly, and is the first national minority elected as President of the organization.

"Alcee's candidacy for this position was supported by Members of Congress on both sides the aisle, including Speaker Dennis Hastert, demonstrating the wide respect that he has earned in this body. And it must be noted that Congressman Hastings was elected by parliamentarians from 55 European and North American nations who recognize his skill, ability and unwavering commitment to human rights and democratic values, including free and fair elections.

"I could not be more pleased for my good friend Alcee, who will be a strong, powerful voice for the ideals and principles that have made this nation great."