Tannock given Decoration by Colombian government
Posted, September 08, 2010 @ 00:00
Charles Tannock MEP, Conservative foreign affairs spokesman in the European Parliament, has been told that he has received a state award from the outgoing Colombian President Uribe for his "outstanding contributions to Colombia, particularly in the field of diplomacy and international relations."
Dr Tannock will be decorated with the Order of San Carlos (Orden de San Carlos) in the grade of Grand Officer, an order which has previously been bestowed on former US Secretary of State Rice. Dr Tannock has been awared this hnour for his longstanding support for the reforming and modernisation agenda of President Uribe.
Dr Tannock said:
"It is a great honour to receive this award from a country that I consider myself to be a true friend of."
"I am particularly pleased that former President Uribe has awarded me this honour, who is a great latin american statesman I deeply admire."
"Over the years I have been deeply impressed with how he has successfully dealt with defeating Marxist guerrilla forces, reducing serious crime and dealing with drug traffickers, whilst at the same promoting economic growth in this important south american country, without endangering its tradition of democracy."
"I look forward to continuing to do my part to improve relations between the EU and Colombia in the future."