The EU High Representative Catherine Ashton congratulated Heidi Hautala for her new appointment as the Minister for International Development. As the Chair of the Subcommittee, she sent numerous letters to the High Representative concerning human rights issues within the EU human rights policy.

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“You have been steadfast in your convictions and this has always been welcome,” Ashton writes, and adds that Hautala has established herself as strong and dynamic Chair of the Subcommittee with consistent and absolute commitment to the subject, always accompanied by a friendly smile and sense of pragmatism.

“The good news for me is that we will have plenty of opportunities to meet and discuss development and human rights in your new ministerial capacity”, Ashton concludes.