MEP has high hopes for Obama's human rights agenda.

10.41.00am GMT Wed 5th Nov 2008

West Midlands LibDem MEP Liz Lynne has today welcomed the historic victory of Barack Obama in the US Presidential Election. She said that she hoped that Mr Obama's election would turn the tide on the 8 years of neglect for fundamental human rights overseen by the Bush administration.

Liz, who is a member of the European Parliament's Sub- Committee on Human Rights, expressed her belief that Obama would be the President to lead America back to a position of respect for the human rights agenda.

Speaking today Liz said:

"I wholeheartedly congratulate President- elect Obama on his momentous win. It is now up to him to lead America back to the light, back to a position where human rights are paramount, not only for American citizens but for people all over the world.

"The last 8 years have seen the Bush administration pursue policies that directly contradict with the very notion of human rights and fundamental freedoms. From the horrendous breach of international law that is Guantanamo Bay, to the wide-spread use of extraordinary rendition and torture, human rights have become a trivial concern, taking a back seat to right-wing, fundamentalist driven ideology. Obama now has the opportunity to reverse some of these policies and bring the US back to a position of moral authority on the world stage.

"I very much hope that Obama will work both in America and on the world stage, alongside the EU, to make his campaign slogan of 'change' a reality."

ENDS