Dear friends, dear members of ALDE,
Today the very sad news arrived that our good friend, honorary president of the ALDE group and colleague in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Lord Russell-Johnston passed away. Not only we, liberals have lost a very special, gifted, wise friend and politician but most of all, those who were assaulted and battered as it comes to their human and democratic rights.
Russell was a prominent liberal freedom fighter climbing the barricades wherever and whenever necessary, especially there where human rights were at stake. He was one of the most prominent defenders warriors for everything the Council of Europe was and is standing for. His speeches, leadership and remarkable personality will leave a non-erasable footprint in the Assembly.
Russell’s death is, for me as for many many others, a personal loss as well. He was the leader of the LDR group when I joined the Assembly in 1994, so Russell was not only my predecessor but also my political mentor and became a personal and family friend. We had the honour and pleasure to welcome him in our home several times. And just like many of us experienced, his personal post-cards landed in our post-box from all over the world – the last one, sadly on the day after he died. As if he knew, it was a picture about him having entered the House of Lords 11 years ago.
Russell’s special smile, style, humor and colourfull language will be remembered by all those who had the fortune to know him.
His curtain fell in Paris, his favourite European city. Although being a prominent advocate for Europe he remained a firm Scot as well. Once a Croatian fellow-liberal parliamentarian complimented him as such a fine and clever Englishman upon which he replied with his typical Russell-humour: “Next time you call me Englishman, I will call you a Serb!”
People pass away, but their real death comes when they are forgotten. Russell left us, but he remains alive as long as we remember him and as long as his political inheritage is in safe hands. We, the ALDE Group must secure both his memory and his political will.
With deep respect and friendship to him,
Mátyás Eörsi
Leader of ALDE
| Michalis Persianis Cyprus | with thanks and gratitude |
| olof wullink Netherlands | What a sad news. Liberals certainly lost a keymember. May I include the family in my condoleances. In respectfull memory Olof Wullink |
| Manfred Vohrer Germany | Es war schön, dreissig Jahre mit Dir in der Parlammentarischen Versammlung des Europarates, in der WEU und der ELDR zusammenzuarbeiten. Die Liberalen verlieren mit Dir einen großen Europäer. |
| Christopher and Ann Grayson France | Russell did not suffer fools gladly but was generous enough to let them enjoy his dour Scottish wit. He was at his best with younger people and the unpretentious. He championed the cause of the European Youth Centre in Budapest and warmed to the youth campaigns "all different all equal". Young political leaders never grow old and their inspiration lives on. All is possible as long as a trusted companion such as Russell is somewhere to mind. On a personal level we shall miss him hugely - a frequent guest, a supporter of the Arts Club and a tireless correspondent from all over Europe. One image will remain of the committee pentathlon he chaired in Finland including his personal attachment to the stilts. |
| Mario HEINRICH France | Lord Russell-Johnston has been a prominent representative of the Parliamentary Assembly and continued the great tradition of the membership of leading UK Liberals in the Assembly from Lord Layton in the early 50's to David Steel in more recent years. He has held all the important posts that the Assembly can offer and was at its helm when the situation in the Chechen Republic and in the Balkans was most difficult. More lately, he has led the Assembly's Ad Hoc Committee on Nagorno-Karabakh. I shall always remember his strong character coupled with a spirit of fairness and great charm. |
| Marillyn ROBINOT France | In a personal capacity, I wanted to confirm that with Lord Russell-Johnston's 'departure' we - in the Assembly - have lost not just another parliamentarian, but a very human, loyal, witty and certainly one of our best members (indeed one of our best former Presidents). I'm lucky to have had the privilege to chat with him on the Friday of our June session …. We can only be glad for him that he was able to carry on working, as he obviously enjoyed it, to the very end. He was a Lord, but even more than that, a true gentleman … with a perfect Scottish sense of humour - we will all miss him. |
| Walter Schwimmer Austria | It is with great sadness that I learned about the decease of Lord Russell-Johnston. I appreciated Russell as a politician of European spirit, as a fighter for democracy and the common values of the Council of Europe and as a personal friend. I enjoyed excellent cooperation with him, first when we both were leaders of our political groups and then as Secretary General when he was President of the Parliamentary Assembly. I will keep him in the best memory. Walter Schwimmer, former Secretary General of the Council of Europe. |
| Markus Löning Germany | Als Kämpfer für Demokratie und Menschenrechte, gerade in den neuen Demokratien, habe ich ihn kennen gelernt. Ein grosser Verlust für uns europäische Liberale! |
| Eva Garcia Pastor Andorra | Estoy realmente apenada por la defunción de nuestro apreciado colega Lord Russell-Johnston, era un gran referente para los que estamos empezando en el mundo de la política. Lo hecharemos mucho de menos! Mis condolencias para la familia. |
| Eva Garcia Pastor Andorra | Estoy realmente apenada por la defunción de nuestro apreciado colega Lord Russell-Johnston, era un gran referente para los que estamos empezando en el mundo de la política. Lo hecharemos mucho de menos! Mis condolencias para la familia. |
| valeriu cosarciuc Moldova, Republic of | I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of this indeed outstanding person. Valeriu Cosarciuc, ALDE |
| Vladimir Dronov Russian Federation | I was shocked to learn about Russell's death when I learned about it upon return to Strasbourg. He was a most distinguished member of the Assembly, and, more importantly, a personal friend. I will always cherish his memories. |
| Monique Fruhinsholz France | J'ai eu la chance de travailler trois années avec Lord Russell-Johnston et je ne l'oublierai jamais, c'était un véritable humaniste et un européen convaincu doté d'un sens de l'humour inégalable. J'adresse mes plus vives condoléances à sa famille et à Monsieur le Président Eörsi. Avec ma sympathie attristée. Monique Fruhinsholz |
| Mechthild von Alemann Belgium | What a loss for liberalism! I knew Russell since 1979 (when we both were candidates for the first direct European elections. ) He has been a good friend and post card writer ever since. I will not forget him. |
| Martin BANGEMANN France | Menschen wie Russel Johnston sind selten. Offen und herzlich, optimistisch und skeptisch, witzig und ironisch, ein verlässlicher Freund und kritischer Begleiter, ein exemplarischer Liberaler und von allen geschätzter Politiker - kurz: ein Mensch, wie man ihn sich wünscht und vor allem braucht. Wir werden bald wissen, wie sehr, nachdem wir Ihn verloren haben. Martin Bangemann |
| Uli Irmer Germany | A great European, a great liberal, a great parliamentarian and, above all, a great friend for the time we knew each other, more than 29 years. Good bye, Russell, the world will be poorer without you! |
| Maximilian Reimann Switzerland | The untimely death of our colleague Lord Russell-Johnston has filled me with deep sadness. His wholehearted commitment to the European cause, to the promotion of democracy and the ideals of liberalism will always be a shining example for us. On behalf of the Swiss delegation to the PACE I would like to express my highest esteem for his work and his achievements and offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends. Maximilian Reimann, Chairman of the Swiss Delegation, Member of ALDE |
| Hans and Paulette de Jonge France | Lord Russell's disappearance came us a great shock to all persons who have had the privilege to know him. He was a man of great stature. He commanded greatest respect for his lucid political views, his straightforwardness, his honesty, his sense of justice, and above all his great humanity. We had the pleasure to get to know him even better in the last years of his life. We will never forget this fine man. |
| Bruno Haller Germany | The death of Lord Russell is a great loss for the Assembly and the Council of Europe as a whole. Russell was unique in his style and way of life and combined in a exceptional manner the best human qualities with an unfailing commitment for fundamental values and principles in his political engagement. He was a talentuous speaker and defended constantly and convincingly human rights in Strasbourg and throughout Europe. As an untiring pilgrim of human rights, he went to the most conflictual places in Europe, preaching for respect, tolerance and peace. I had the privilege to work closely with him, in particular during his presidency and accompanied him in many missions. I feel grateful for his friendship and will never forget such an honest, kind, committed, enriching and engaging man and politician. -- Bruno Haller, Honorary Secretary General of the P.A. |
| Luc Van den Brande, Chairman EPP/CD Group Belgium | It is with great sadness that we learned that Lord Russel Johnston passed away.We will all remember him aq a true European politician,highly dedicated and committed to democratic values and principles and,without compromise,vigourous in defending human rights.At the same time he always tried to build bridges.He affected all of us intellectually and emotionally in such a profound way that his passing will leave a great void.I personally remember him offering me his great wisdom and humour and also the days we were togheter observing elections.His contribution as President of the Assembly was higly significant.Lord Russell Johnston was above all a captivating personality and a gentlemen,an " Eminence" as servant to democracy and better human life for all.He will be sincerely missed, but he will never be forgotten. |
| tiny kox Netherlands | On behalf of the Group of the Unified European Left, which group I chair in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, please pass my condolences to Lord Russell Johnston's family and friends. Working together with him, in the Assembly but also in a recent elections observation mission to Palestine, was a great pleasure and an honour. I learned a lot from him, and I very much pity that he will not be with us in the future. Lord Russell Johnston will be remembered as one of the real important persons of our Assembly and we owe him many thanks for this. |
| Sonia Sirtori France | The last postcard I received from Lord Russell-Johnston was dated 23 July and began with his welcoming the arrest of Radovan Karadzic. I assisted him in his work as PACE Rapporteur on Kosovo, and I know how important this news must have been for him. I am pleased that it arrived in his lifetime. I held him in the highest consideration, for his moral integrity, sense of justice, modesty and respect for people. I will remember him the way he was, smiling with optimism and facing everything with a sense of humour. |
| Horst Schade France | Russell put individual human beings at the heart of his political engagement. His speeches, postcards and contacts always had a personal element, which meant that you could identify with them. He was a good man and will be missed. I suppose that he would have liked to leave in the way that he did. Be well where you are Russell. |
| Peter Kallenberger France | I first met Mr. Russell Johnston in 1980, the legendary time when the prosperous Liberal Group of the EP used to invite once a year to their conferences some representatives of the indigent Liberal Group of PACE. It was a windy, rainy and cold day at the Lake Constance. Russell struck everybody's attention because he was dressed in a splendid Scottish kilt and he seemed to be indifferent to the bone-chilling weather. Deeply puzzled, I asked him in my poor English: "Mr Johnston, what is worn under your kilt?" - He answered with his typical smile: "Don't get excited! Nothing is worn; everything is in peerless working condition." Russell's friends in Strasbourg were sincerely worried the last 10 months about his deteriorating health. But in spite of all his lows and highs, he could serve for us as a model of self-control and equanimity as he continued to deliver to the Assembly his courageous, clear and unbiased speeches, in which he always emphasized Freedom, Human Rights and Justice as the main focus of politics. Dear Russell, we will miss your sharp wit, your peerless humour, your wisdom, your reliability and most of all your imperturbable friendship. -- Peter Kallenberger, Secretary of ALDE |
| Peter Schieder Austria | I received the sad new of the death of Lord Russel. The statement from President Lluis Maria de Puig pays in an excellent way tribute to our former President. My condolences go to Russel's children, the British Delegation in the Parliamentary Assembly, to the Liberal Group and the whole Council of Europe. -- Peter Schieder |
| Giga Bokeria Georgia | I was deeply saddened to hear about the death of great statetsman, outstanding public figure, an excellent friend and a big supporter of my Country Lord Russell-Johnston. I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of this indeed outstanding person. -- Giga Bokeria, Vice-President of ALDE |
| Mihaela Draghici Romania | May he rest in peace! |
| Alexander Shishlov Russian Federation | Russell was a true outstanding liberal. He was involved in the most complicated political challenges, and he contributed so much to defend liberal values all over the world including my country. And he was not just a brilliant politician but a generous friend. I will remember forever his wisdom and his advice, his smile and his jokes, his pride of his family, and his self-made picture-cards… Alexander Shishlov, Member of the Bureau of Yabloko party, Former Vice-President of ALDE |
| NOTHIS Anne-Marie, former assistant in the APCE France | My very Dear Russell, when I (too) briefly poped into your office in Strasbourg - exactly one month ago - you glanced at me and said "You look so tremedously healthy!" and I thought that You must have felt very bad and that moment and that you had a strange intuition on your own condition. You were my favourite Chairman of the Cultural Committee and will remain your "Cherie" for ever. Please send me more postcards from where you are. |
| Sarah Ludford MEP United Kingdom | Russell was a wonderful mixture of the firmly uncompromising - in his values - and the genially courteous - in his manner. I am deeply grateful for his consistent championing of both Liberalism and internationalism, with Britain needing much more of both. My fondest personal memory of him is in a plane back from an ELDR conference in Llubjana in about 1992, when there was heavy turbulence over the Alps which rather unnerved me. He permitted me in the manner of a kindly uncle to clutch his hand for reassurance, which I certainly derived from his comforting support! You felt everything would be alright with Russell alongside. He will be very sorely missed, not least his speeches and writings, and I think we will not see his like again. |
| annemie Neyts Belgium | ELDR MOURNS THE DEATH OF LORD RUSSELL-JOHNSTON. " The death of Lord Russell-Johnston confronts us, for the second time in two weeks, with the loss of a beacon of integrity, rectitude and tolerance", says ELDR President Annemie Neyts." We will only gradually realise how much we have lost with the untimely demise of both Bronislaw Geremek and Lord Russell-Johnston ". When I shyly participated in my first international liberal meetings, Russell was a prominent participant and I always have looked up to him as one of my seniors. I vividly remember a conversation we had way back then during which he predicted the fall of Margaret Thatcher as leader of her party. As always, his analysis was a fascinating mix of humour and extreme clarity. When he was elected President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, he was able to demonstrate the extraordinary range of his political and human qualities, and to put them at the service of his ideals of democracy and respect for human rights. On top of all that, he was generous with his time, talent and energy. He was always willing to travel to participate in meetings and seminars, to share his knowledge and insights with others. He will be sorely missed." |
| MENGER Marie-Anne France | La nouvelle de la disparition de Lord Russell, une personnalité aussi marquante de notre Assemblée, m'affecte beaucoup. Il manquera au Groupe libéral et à toute l'Assemblée parlementaire. Mes très sincères condoléances à sa famille et à ses proches. Marie-Anne Menger, Secrétariat APCE |
| João Ary Portugal | I was very saddened to learn today the very sad news of the death of a very good friend. Yesterday evening, when I came home after a week, I found one of Russell's post cards, where he wished us a good summer holiday, pointing out that we would next meet in Warsaw in the beginning of September. Unfortunately that will no longer be the case. I worked closely with Russell for more than 20 years in the Parliamentary Assembly, where he was successively Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Youth and Sport, Chairman of the Committee on Culture and Education, President of the Assembly and again a simple Committee member. I recall in particular a one week visit to the South East of Turkey that we both made when Russell was preparing a report on the culture of the Kurds. Only last month we discussed the possibility of him becoming rapporteur for a report against political correctness and Russell was very much enthusiastic about it. Alas, he will not be able to pursue that task. I will certainly not forget him but I will miss him very much. |
| Albina Ovcearenco France | Lord Russell's death is a great personal loss as for me he was an example of both personal and professional developpement. I will miss a lot this person of great humanity, moral sense and liberal spirit. Albina Ovcearenco, Council of Europe Secretariat, former trainee in ALDE. |
| Yann de Buyer France | Tous ceux qui ont pu approcher Lord Russell-Johnston se souviendont de sa grande humanité, de son humour et de sa gentillesse. C'est une grande personnalité de l'Assemblée parlementaire du Conseil de l'Europe qui s'est éteinte. A sa famille et à ses proches j'adresse mes plus sincères condoléances. Yann de Buyer, Secretariat APCE |
| Farida Jamal France | Russell will be remembered by all who worked with him in the Parliamentary Assembly and will sadly miss his humour and compassion for all mankind. He became a dear friend who never forgot his friends. I shall miss his wonderful voice and his wisdom. |
| Paul Wille Belgium | The death of Lord Russel-Johnston, being a strongly respected friend of mine, did come as a shock. His charismatic and wise influence will clearly be missed. -- Paul Wille, Vice-President of ALDE |
| John, Lord Alderdice United Kingdom | I was talking with Russell just last week in the House of Lords, and it is hard to believe that we will not hear his lilting Scottish voice encouraging, entertaining, challenging and upbraiding us, all in the Liberal cause to which he devoted his life and his extraordinary abilities. For many of us in Liberal International, from all around the world, Russell's death is a deep personal loss. He was an inspiring friend, and when he rose to speak we would always listen and inevitably be rewarded by his warm, wise and witty remarks. He would, and did, travel to the ends of earth, at a moment's notice, in the service of liberalism and in support of his multitude of friends. We have lost an irreplaceable friend and colleague. We were fortunate indeed to have known him and had our lives so enriched by him. International liberalism will be forever in his debt. |
| Bugnon André Président du Conseil national Suisse Switzerland | je joins ma voix à toutes celles et tous ceux qui ont vanté les mérites de notre cher disparu. C'était vraiment un très grand personnage qui va nous manquer. |
| Nabholz-Haidegger Lili Switzerland | I deeply regret the the loss of a great personality. His merits will persist. Lili Nabholz, Switzerland |
| Aliaksandr Milinkevich Belarus | Belarusian democrats deeply regret the loss of a great friend of all those who stand for freedom, justice and human rights. By his openness, wisdom and engagement Lord Russell-Johnston has set an extraordinary example of European and world citizen. |
| Kerstin Lundgren Sweden | Dear Liberal friends, How very sad - for his family, for all liberals, for Council of Europe and for our group. So hard to believe, Lord Russel-Johnston always so full of energy and visions (and humour) - a very distiguished member of the Counicl of Europe and of our group. -- Kerstin Lundgren, Vice-President of ALDE, Member of Parliament Centerparty |
| younal loutfi Bulgaria | Sofia,le30 juillet Chers collegues et amis liberaux, C'est avec une profonde douleur que nous avons appris la triste nouvelle du deces de notre cher ami et collegue Lord Russel-Johnston. De son vivant, il n'a jamais cesse de nous etonner par son amour des idees liberales auxquelles il a consacre toute son activite de combattant pour une nouvelle Europe. Son exemple de liberal devoue, de President du Groupe et de l'Assemblee inspirer plus d'une generation a venir. Le deces de Lord Russell-Johnston laissera un vide non seulement en nos rangs, mais aussi en notre ame, a nous tous. En exprimant notre profonde tristesse a tous nos collegues liveraux, je vous prie, au nom du Groupe bulgare, de presenter nos condolleances les plus sinceres a la famille de notre eminent leader, collegue et ami. Younal Loutfi President de la delegation bulgare aupres de l'Assemblee parementaire du Conseil de l'Europe. |
| Terry Leyden Ireland | Please convey to all our colleagues who have contacted me in connection with most untimely Death of our dear colleague Lord Russell-Johnston R.I.P. After our June Meeting in Strasbourg I sent to Lord Russell-Johnston photographs taken at our Dinner on the Monday night of Session and I just received a lovely hand written note of thanks dated 23rd.July; he finished his note as follows "I hope you have an enjoyable and restful Summer. See you at the end of September". We will miss his friendship and support in ALDE. -- Senator Terry Leyden, Government Frontbench Spokesperson on European Affairs and Member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Member of ALDE |
| Daniel Ducarme Belgium | C'est avec énormément d'émotion et de tristesse que j'ai appris le décès de notre ami Lors Russell-Johnston. Son décès représente une grande perte pour la famille libérale. Mes plus sincères condoléances à sa famille et à ses proches. -- Daniel Ducarme, Member of ALDE |
| Antigoni Pericleous Papadopoulos Cyprus | I am deeply sorry for the sudden death of Lord Russell Johnston. This is a big loss for the liberal family and the parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.Please convey my sincere condolenses to his family. We shall not forget him. -- Antigoni Pericleous Papadopoulos, Member of ALDE |
| Mikhail Kasyanov Russian Federation | The death of Lord Russell-Johnston is a great loss to everyone who shares the principles of democracy and liberalism. He was a politician of great determination and self-sacrifice whose top priorities were always peace, justice and morality. As the Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly and a long-standing and active member of the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party he devoted his life to consistently and relentlessly defending the core values of modern society - human right and freedoms. He performed an enormous role to ameliorate acute humanitarian situation in the Chechen Republic and other conflict zones. Lord Russell-Johnston will forever remain in the hearts of all the people who had a privilege to meet him as an ideal of honest and principled politician. -- Mikhail Kasyanov, Chairman of Russian People's Democratic Union (RNDS) |
| Serhiy Holovaty Ukraine | It is with great sadness that I received the news of the passing of our dear friend, Lord Russell-Johnston. He was a shining light of liberalism for those of us from post-communist countries, someone who inspired us and will continue to inspire us to build democracies in our societies based on the principles of justice and liberalism. I always valued his great sense of humour and humanity, qualities that made him accessible to everyone. He will not be easily replaced, but always fondly remembered. -- Serhiy Holovaty, Vice-President of ALDE |
| Mevlut Cavusoglu Turkey | I am really sorry to get the information about the death of Lord Russell-Johnson. Sincere condolences to his family and to the Alliance of Liberals for Europe. -- Mevlut Cavusoglu, Chairman of the Turkish Delegation to PACE |
| Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu Turkey | I am really sorry to get the information about the death of Lord Russell-Johnston. Sincere condolences to his family and to the Alliance of Liberals for Europe. -- Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Chairman of the Turkish Delegation to PACE |
| Andrea Rigoni Italy | I am deeply sad about this news. It is really a great loss for us, for our Assembly and for the whole European liberal family. Sincere condolences to his family and relatives. -- Andrea Rigoni, Chairman of the Italian Delegation, Member of ALDE |
| Avet Adonts Armenia | I feel really sorry to get this news. Lord Russell-Johnston was our distinguished colleague and a great personality. He will be greatly missed by everybody who knew him. My sincere condolences to his family and relatives. -- Avet Adonts, Member of ALDE |
| Tina Meloni San Marino | I want to join all the ones who are so sad for the death of Lord Russel-Johnston. I had the honour to know Lord Johnston when He visited my Country and again during my presence as a member of the Liberal Group of the Parliamentary Assembly. My personal sympathies to his relatives and his friends. -- Tina Meloni, Member of ALDE |
| Josef Jarab Czech Republic | Dear Liberal Friends, I am deeply shocked to receive this unbelievably sad news. And I have to explain the word "unbelievably." On the weekend of July 19 and 20 I was on my way to Oxford for a week conference. And I wanted to contact Russell before my trip - but did not manage. In London I met with our older son Jan who works in Brussels and came to London to meet me. We had a nice weekend in London galleries. On the Sunday we went to have lunch to a restaurant close to Victoria called Mekong - and I could not believe who we found there. Russell writing diligently cards to friends - the one that he was just finishing was to me in Olomouc!!! We together greatly rejoiced the meeting. We agreed that we invite Russell to a November conference on Armenian and Azerbaijan conflict in Prague - he wanted very much to come. I already started arranging an invitation with the organizers - and now this terrifying news arrives. So I met with dear and admired friend Russell a few days ago - only to learn now that we have all lost him! Difficult to take. It makes my heart sink - and I want to express my sympathy with his family, with you all, dear Liberal friends. Our loss is so deep deep. Joining you all in mourning, -- Josef Jarab, Former Vice-President of ALDE |
| Doris Fiala Switzerland | Eine traurige Nachricht. Ich habe Lord Russell-Johnston nicht lange gekannt, aber mit Sicherheit war er eine grosse liberale Persönlichkeit, die ich in bester Erinnerung an meine Anfangszeit im Europarat behalten werde. - Doris Fiala, Secretary General of ALDE |
| Mark Rutte , Han ten Broeke , Frans Weekers, Hans van Baalen, Jules Maaten Netherlands | We are saddened with the news on the death of Lord Russell-Johnston. A big loss to the European liberal family but our sympathies first and foremost go out to his relatives and closest friends. -- Mark Rutte (party leader VVD) -- Han ten Broeke (MP, member asemblee) -- Frans Weekers (MP, member assemblee) -- Hans van Baalen (MP, vice president Liberal International) -- Jules Maaten (MEP delegation leader) |
| Dick Marty Switzerland | Un grand Monsieur nous quitte et laisse un grand vide.Il reste cependant son exemple; et ce n'est pas peu! -- Dick Marty, Member of ALDE |
| Jiri Zlatuska Czech Republic | This is really a sad news. It was a real privilege to have him among us and he will be missed very much. |
| Anne Brasseur Luxembourg | Last Friday I got a postcard from Russel telling me that 11 years ago he became a member of the House of Lords an that he appreciated and enjoyed especially his functions at the Council of Europe. I just could not believe when I got the very sad information about his death. As liberal group we lost one of our most outstanding members, a true liberal. Personally I lost a friend. -- Anne Brasseur, Vice-President of ALDE |
| Secretariat of the Romanian Parliamentary Delegation to the PACE Romania | The Romanian Parliamentary delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe expresses its deep regret for the loss of a good colleague and friend whose wisdom and good humour have often been source of inspiration! |
| Hanne Severinsen Denmark | I am so sad to hear that Lord Russell-Johnston has died. He was a real true fighter of liberal ideas and ideals, - and the best President PACE has ever had. I will miss him so much and I am proud to have known him for so many years. -- Hanne Severinsen, Former Vice-President of ALDE |
| Kristiina Ojuland Estonia | I am deeply sad to reading this letter. We have lost a Great Friend and a honest colleague. A Liberal group has lost somebody whom we will miss so much. -- Kristiina Ojuland, Vice-President of ALDE |
| Rik Daems Belgium | I am very sad that our very respected friend Lord Russell-Johnston has left us. My condolences to his family. -- Rik Daems, Member of ALDE, MP, Former Belgian Minister |
| Bernard Marquet Monaco | Quelle triste nouvelle! Mes sincères condoléances à la famille de Lord Russell-Johnston. -- Bernard Marquet, Vice-Président du Groupe ALDE |
| Asim Mollazade Azerbaijan | On behalf of the Democratic Reforms Party of Azerbaijan, I wish to extend my deepest condolences at the demise of Lord Russell-Johnston, a former President of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) and a former leader of the Scottish Liberal Party. Russell Johnston's death is a terrible loss, not only to his family and friends, but also to Europe where his contribution in promotion of liberalism and peace values will always be remembered. Sincerely, Asim Mollazade Chairman, Azerbaijan Democratic Reforms Party, MP |
| Jan Weijers Netherlands | I am truly sorry to hear this. Lord Russell-Johnston was a true liberal and he has done much for the cooperation of liberals in the Council of Europe. |