Catherine Ashton

Overview

Catherine Ashton born Upholland, Lancashire, England March 20, 1956. British diplomat. Active leader in Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), 1977-83. As Leader of the House of Lords, gathered approval of Treaty of Lisbon, 2007. First Vice President European Commission, 2010-14. First person to serve as High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, dictating EU Foreign and Security Policy, 2009-14. Instrumental in normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia, 2013. Led successful negotiation with Iran on limiting nuclear production, 2013.

Quotations

The only solution to the Syria crisis is a political one.” (addressing European Parliament, Oct. 23, 2013)