Miliband backs Blair for European president

United Kingdom Foreign Minister David Miliband threw his support behind Tony Blair's unofficial bid to become President of the European Council, October 2009 as he called for a candidate who can 'stop the traffic in Beijing and Moscow'.

The Foreign Secretary said it would be 'good for Britain and good for Europe' if Mr Blair was selected as President of the European Council, in the strongest endorsement yet given by a UK senior minister.

But Mr Miliband warned that Mr Blair's prospects depended on wavering member states deciding that they want a 'strong leader' to take on the role.

ESO: Background information: Hague warns diplomats not to support Blair for EU president http://www.europeansources.info/record/hague-warns-diplomats-not-to-support-blair-for-eu-president/

ESO: Background information: Blair still first in line for EU president, say UK media http://www.europeansources.info/record/blair-still-first-in-line-for-eu-president-say-uk-media/

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-news/?view=Speech&id=21087036 http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-news/?view=Speech&id=21087036

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