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Federal Minister Westerwelle congratulates Peter Maurer on his election as President of the ICRC
On 17 October, Peter Maurer was appointed as the new President of the International Committee of the Red Cross by the Committee’s Assembly. Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle offered him the following congratulations on his election:
“I was delighted to hear of your appointment as the new President of the International Committee of the Red Cross by the Committee’s Assembly on 17 October 2011. I would like to offer you my sincere congratulations.
The Federal Republic of Germany, through its advocacy of international humanitarian law and its leadership in the field of humanitarian assistance, feels very strongly tied to the International Committee of the Red Cross. This is also reflected by the fact that the Federal Republic of Germany is among the largest contributors of voluntary payments to the ICRC.
I wish you good luck and every possible success for the performance of your new responsibilities.”
Background:
The Swiss national Peter Maurer currently occupies the position of State Secretary at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. He will replace his predecessor at the ICRC, Jakob Kellenberger, on 1 July 2012 and will remain in office for four years. The position of President of the International Committee of the Red Cross is traditionally held by a Swiss national.
In 2011, Germany has contributed 1.33 million euro to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
