On behalf of all AER members, Liese Prokop, President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and Vice-Minister President of the Land of Niederösterreich (A), sent a warm congratulations letter wishing every success to Jean-Pierre Raffarin for his appointment as Prime Minister of the French Republic.

“The experience gained in regional realities on the ground, mixed with the strength of your conviction in Europe will allow you to apply the principles of new Governance, which I know you are highly commited to, and to achieve the important mission assigned to you by President Jacques Chirac” stressed President Prokop.

Jean-Pierre Raffarin, aged 53, Senator (Liberal Democrat) and President of the Region of Poitou Charentes, is an AER Bureau member. He is also consistantly active within European and national interregional organisations (CPMR Atlantic Arc Commission, President of the Association of French Regions until January 2002).

We would also like to remind you that the 4th AER European Cup of Regional Flavours is due to be held in the Portuguese Region of Alentejo in March 2003. This Cup was originally launched by the Region of Poitou-Charentes, under the Presidency of Mr Raffarin.

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