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Showing posts from 2012

Personal message for the New Year

“One thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, press on towards what is ahead, press on towards what is ahead, press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:13-14) Today it is the 31 st of December. The year 2012 has almost come to a close. Usually it is a time to reflect on what happened this year, our achievements, but also our challenges ; our happy, but also our sad times. The apostle Paul teaches us, however, how we have to evaluate our times and how to look forward to the next year. He asks us not to stick to what is behind. Sometimes bad experiences or issues that hurt us can block us and stick us to the past. We remain in the past and we do not want to look forward anymore. On the other hand, previous achievements can also make us so satisfied that we do not look forward anymore. The apostle Paul asked us to strain forwards, and even to press on towards wha

Merry Christmas!

The First Conference on Family Policy & Launch of the Christian Movement of Montenegro

The first conference of family policy in Montenegro was held on Thursday, November 7th 2012 in Podgorica, Montenegro, organized by the Christian Movement of Montenegro (CMoM), in cooperation with the European Christian Political Movement. The conference brought together over 40 people from political and public life, directors of the municipal centres for social work, sociologists, psychologists, lawyers and publicists. Notable personalities who participated include the Secretary General of the President's cabinet, Mr. Drazen Miličković and head of the office of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Podgorica, Mrs. Sanja Sljivancanin. It should be particularly noted that the delegation of ECPM and CMoM, represented by Leo van Doesburg, Eunice Vatran and Lav Lajovic, was hosted by the President of Montenegro, Mr. Filip Vujanovic, who gave his enthusiastic support for the projects organized by ECPM and CMoM in the area of family policy and expressed willingness to assist our fut

Large Pressure on the possible nomination of a Christian for the European Commission's Health & Consumer Policy portfolio

Dr. Tonio Borg, currently Malta’s Foreign Minister, is his country’s nominee for the European Commission’s Health and Consumer Policy portfolio, a post recently vacated by John Dalli. With academic qualifications in administrative and human rights law, and decades of experience in his country’s Justice and Home Affairs Ministries, Dr. Borg is an ideal nominee. Dr. Borg is also a catholic Christian and, because of this, a coordinated campaign opposing his nomination is in full force. On 13 November, a three hours hearing of the Commissioner-designate will take place at the European Parliament (which has a quasi veto on the confirmations of new Commissioners). Under normal circumstances, there would be no reason for Parliament to doubt the nominee’s suitability for the post. But for weeks, a coalition of special interest groups and NGOs has been mounting an aggressive negative campaign against Dr. Borg.   (Source  European Dignity Watch ) You can help to do

Latvian National Prayer Breakfast events focused on Peace and Reconciliation

On November 2nd I was invited to participate in the Latvian National Prayer Breakfast. This year's topic was “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God”. It was an impressive and powerful event, in which politicians and Members of Parliament shared their thoughts about the importance of peace and reconciliation.  Following the Prayer Breakfast, an international discussion was organized on “Peace as a virtue and the process of forming peace in contemporary society”. Speakers included: Inese Libina-Egner, Deputy of the Saeima and Legal advisor to the President, Ilmars Latkovskis and Inga Bite, both Deputies of the Saeima, Pavil Brvers, Bishop of Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia, Miervaldis Krotovs: Chairman of Talsi Regional Municipality, Inga Berzina, Chairman of Kuldiga City Council and Joseph Dustin, founder of organization “Streams of Life” in Latvia and Lithuania. The discussion was moderated by Inese Libina, Deputy of the Saeima. I felt privi

Conference: "Support for Families" 24 November 2012, Sejm (Parliament), Warsaw (Poland)

Family Policy Conference of European Christian Political Foundation & Solidarna Polska (Program at ECPF website ) European examples and policy options for support for families as investment in Europe’s future. The ECPF and Solidarna Polska warmly invite you to participate in their joint family policy conference. The focus of this conference is on how government policies can support families. The conference offers the opportunity to hear from experts on what the European trends are and which practical policies would be supportive for families. The experts will focus on various fields like the pressure on the family, child benefits systems and the balance between work and family life.

Creative and succesful Pro-Life Campaign in Latvia opens effective discussions on the "Protection of the Right to live"

B etween August and October 2012 the small Baltic country of Latvia has been the place of a creative and effective Pro-Life campaign aimed at reopening the public debate over abortion, in a country with a very high level of abortion and a law demographic rate. A specific aim of the campaign is also to introduce in the law on sexual and reproductive health the principle that “ the child is protected from the day of conception ” , and to make pre-abortion consultation systematic. This campaign ended on October 16 with an official conference on the “ Protection of the Right to live ” held at the Latvian Parliament; a special attention has been given to the San José Articles by the Secretary of State to Justice and various speakers. (by Grégor Puppinck, Ph.D)

My acknowledgement for the 15th place on the European Pro-Life Personalities list

On the 10th October 2012, the European Parliamentary Forum on Population and Development organized a meeting entitled "Anti-Choice Opposition in Europe: Recent trends in the global war on women on the European front". This Forum presents itself as a network of MPs from across Europe who are interested in protecting women's sexual and reproductive rights, supporting the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development. During this meeting, a list with the "Top 27 European Anti-choice Personalities" was presented and spread. I was classified as no 15 on this Top 27.  Read my reaction here

Symposium From Theory to Practice, 3 October Palace of Parliament

More information, you find here

Romanian Parliamentary Ecumenical Prayer Breakfast this year on the 4th of October

From the 3rd of October in the evening, until the 6th of October, the ECPM (European Christian Political Movement) in collaboration with the Ecumenical Prayer Group from the Romanian Parliament will organize the Romanian Prayer Breakfast with as theme: "Common mission for combating poverty" hosted by the President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Romanian Parliament, Mr. Valeriu Ştefan Zgonea. The event will start with a cocktail on the 3rd in the evening, followed by the Romanian Prayer Breakfast in the morning and by a debate on the 4th. On the 5th and 6th of October (optional) a special excursion to the Danube Delta will be organized. The Prayerbreakfast will take place in the Romanian Parliament (the Parliamental Palace). For more information, please visit the link on the website of the ECPM

About the Dutch election results and consequences for Christian politics in the Netherlands

A few weeks before yesterday's elections for the Lower House of the Dutch Parliament (officially the Second Chamber of the General Estates) it had seemed as if the race for becoming the largest party was between the rightwing liberal VVD and the left wing populist Socialist Party. In those final weeks the leader of the Labour party (PvdA) performed better than the leader of the Socialist Party in televised debates though. Thus it soon became appearant that the race would be between VVD and PvdA and the media of course focussed on this as well.  (Written by Jonathan van Tongeren: ECPYN )  

ECPM urges Dutch Christians to vote for freedom of faith and conscience

The ECPM urges Dutch Christian voters to vote tomorrow (12 September) for a Christian party in order to preserve the freedom of faith & conscience in a more and more aggressive-secular environment. Please read the statement here.    Remarkably, the party leader of one of the Christian parties, the ChristianUnion got also support of the British Prime Minister Cameron yesterday. Cameron explained: , ,My Party works hand in hand with the ChristianUnion in the European Parliament to achieve a more efficient, less interfering Europe that is committed to peace, security and trade. Arie Slob has shown a real determination to play a key part in leading the Netherlands through the current crisis. Like him, I want a strong society in which families, associations and faith-based communities can show what people can achieve when they work together to build a better country. He has a great contribution to make."    Tomorrow, 12 September, the elections f

Adress at the Roma Culture Days

On the 1st-2nd September I participated in the Roma Culture Days, that took place in Sibiu (Romania). This festival was organized by the Christian Roma Center. During these days, a special fair was organized, where traditional Roma craftsmen showed and sold their products. During the fair different (Christian) Roma artists performed in an extensive cultural program. At the opening, I was given the opportunity to address the audience. At the end of the Festival, Florin Cioaba, President of the Christian Roma Center called on the multitude to fight against discrimination between Roma and Romanians and to stretch out to each other the hand of peace, thus respecting  European, democratic and Christian values.  Following the Festival, I took part in the meeting with the Presidium of the International Romani Union. Please find below the official address I delivered at the Union on behalf of ECPM

British Christians fight for their fundamental freedoms at the European Court of Human Rights

Four British Christians who claim they lost their jobs as a result of discrimination against their beliefs are taking their cases to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). They include an airline worker stopped from wearing a cross and a counsellor who refused to deal with gay couples.  All four lost separate employment tribunals relating to their beliefs.Secular critics have said any ruling in favour of the group could "seriously undermine" UK equality law. A ruling is not expected from the ECtHR for several weeks.  The ECPM is concerned about these cases which involve British Airways check-in clerk Nadia Eweida, nurse Shirley Chaplin, relationship counsellor Gary McFarlane and registrar Lilian Ladele. (Please find the article from the BBC Please read here the whole article and more information about the cases , find the article from the BBC here )

1st Moldovan Parliamentarian Prayer Breakfast

On the 28th of August, the 1st Moldovan Parliamentarian Prayer Breakfast took place. In total, 10 Members of the Parliament of Moldova from 3 different parties participated (the Moldovan parliament has 101 MPs) as well as an MP from Canada and representatives from the Canadian Christian Embassy. I addressed the participants on be half of the ECPM and expressed the importance of parliamentary prayer groups all over Europe (see my message here ) and read a message from the Ecumenical Prayer Group from the Romanian Parliament addressed to the participants of the 1st Moldovan Prayer Group. It was a good and friendly atmosphere with personal messages based on the love of Jesus and the Holy Scriptures. It was encouraging to see the open and personal message also of the participants and to see that the principles of Jesus unites politicians of different parties. I was impressed by MP Valeriu Ghilețchi (Moldovan MP and member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe) who organ

ECPM: Urgent Call to Romanian Politicians

Update 26 July, 2012 - The European Christian Political Movement (ECPM) expresses its concern regarding the current political situation in Romania. The present crisis shows, in the view of ECPM, that there are some fundamental problems in the Romanian political landscape. Although the road towards EU integration brought Romania many positive changes, different governments have still not succeeded to achieve the necessary reforms in order to protect the separation of powers, to guarantee the Rule of Law and to create a democratic culture representing the Romanian people in its entirety. We understand all calls for deeper reform and as well as those who expressed their worries regarding the rapid institutional changes of the last few weeks. These institutional changes reveal, in our opinion, the existence of an underlying need for stronger institutions that must become independent from political party influences. Recent developments are worrying and show the need for deeper refor

The International Rome Office of the Dignitatis Humanae Institute officially inaugurated

On the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, the feast day of Rome, politicians, clergy and NGOs from across the world met in the Eternal City to discuss one of the most important issues of or time, with the rise of militant secularism, how do we affirm the ‘Role of Christians in the Public Square’? This event was followed by a reception to mark the official launch of the international Rome office of the Dignitatis Humanae Institute. (Source: Dignitatis Humanae Institute)

The Global Charter of Conscience is official launched

On 20 June, the Global Charter of Conscience a declaration reaffirming and supporting Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (about “freedom of thought, conscience and religion”) was officially launched in the European Parliament, in an event hosted by Finnish MEP Sari Essayah. The growing tensions involving religion, worldview and ideology have become a massive global problem, an international group of leading academics and activists say to Europe and the world.  This firm and principled document aims to bring religious tolerance back to the centre of public debate with guidelines to discuss and resolve present problems in a constructive, rights-honouring manner.    (More information about the Charter you will find here)

European Parliament Resolution Condemns Forced Abortion in China

On the 5th of July, the European Parliament has  adopted a resolution strongly condemning forced abortions and sterilizations under China's One Child Policy, including the forced abortion at seven months of Feng Jianmei, which occurred last month in Shaanxi Province, China.    Specifically, the resolution, 2012/2712 (RSP)   “strongly condemns the decision to force Ms Feng to have an abortion and condemns the practice of forced abortions and sterilizations globally, especially in the context of the one‑child policy.”   The resolution further states that “the EU has provided, and still provides, funds for organizations involved in family planning policies in China,” and “urges the Commission to ensure that its funding of projects does not breach” the European Parliament’s commitment against coercive population control.    Find the text of the EP resolution  here   (Source: Women's right Without Frontiers)  

Invitation Conference on Human Dignity 29-30 June Rome

Please find more information about the events, the concept program   and click here to register Find below the invitation letter of Benjamin Harnwell, founder of the Dignitatis Humanae Institute (DHI). The conference is highly recommended!!!

Symposium on EU relations with Israel and ECPM 8th Annual General Assembly, 8 June, Brussels

D on't forget to register for the ECPM symposium on 'EU relations with Israel' and the ECPM 8th annual General Assembly that will take place in Hotel Martin's Central Park (Boulevard Charlemagne 80) in Brussels, 8 June, starting at 10:00 hrs am . During this symposium various speakers like Sari Essayah (MEP, Christian Democrats Finland), Joshua Reinstein (Director of Knesset Christian Allies Caucus) and Peter Dixon (Chief Executive Concordis International) address the audience. After the lunch the ECPM General Assembly will take place. T his is a good opportunity to learn more about the ECPM, its work, meet other people involved in the work of the ECPM and the discuss about the EU relations with Israel! More information about the program (see below) or click here Please register here   More information about the hotel where the event will take place

Possible chapel in the (secular) Czech parliament

A group of MPs thinks there might be something missing from Parliament: a chapel for saying prayers. Since the parliamentary elections in 2010, MPs of the newly formed conservative right-wing party TOP 09, including TOP 09 MP group leader Petr Gazdík, have been mulling over this idea. Now that idea seems to be gaining momentum. In a country that is noted for being one of the most secular in the world - with just 13 percent of the population expressing a religious affiliation - the proposal does not come without controversy. (source  Prague Post)

Latest resolution against homophobia exceeds the competences of the European Parliament

The resolution against homophobia – or better: the resolution on public control of the individual and collective mind-set of citizens in Europe passed as expected in plenary vote yesterday in Strasbourg. As EDW reported on Wednesday , the resolution is highly problematic. One point of particular concern is the pressure that this resolution puts on member states to legalize same-sex marriage – an area that is wholly outside of the competences of the EU.The text was voted with the overwhelming majority of 430 for, 105 against and 59 abstentions. Check here how your MEP voted.  The most scandalous part of the resolution is, however, the way it was put on the political agenda of the European Parliament.  (Source  European Dignity Watch )

Former President Boris Tadic will form a new government under the agreement of president Nikolic

After the last elections in Serbia, Tomislav Nikolic was elected as new President for Serbia. Serbia's President-Elect, and Boris Tadic, the country's former president, have agreed that a new government must be formed as soon as possible. Tadic and Nikolic met on Monday at the presidential building in Belgrade to "discuss the transfer of duties". The pair talked about the goals that Serbia should achieve including better living standard, solving economic problems, European integration, fight against crime and corruption. Tadic, who briefly addressed media with Nikolic, said they have agreed that it was necessary to establish all the institutions as soon as possible.  (Source  Balkan Insight )

Announcement

Invitation to the ECPF and ECPM congresses, 7 & 8 June (Brussels)

Dear friends, dear readers I am pleased to announce that the European Christian Political Foundation (ECPF) and the European Christian Political Movement (ECPM) will hold their annual congresses in Brussels, 7 and 8 June respectively.  The theme of this year’s ECPF Congress is 'Values; Foundations for Europe's economy' and will take place in the European Parliament 7June 2012. Speakers will include Tomáš Sedláček (adviser to Vaclav Havel and the current Czech government, writer of Economics of Good & Evil ), Philip Blond (adviser to PM David Cameron and writer of Red Tory ), Michael Schluter (Director of 'Relationships Global'), Dr. Luigino Bruni (adviser to the Holy See), Peter Briscoe (founder of Crown Europe) and Dutch Senator Dr. Peter Ester. The following day, on June 8, a symposium on ‘EU relations with Israel’ and the 8th Annual ECPM General Assembly will be organized by ECPM at Martin’s Central Park, Boulevard Charlemagne 80, in Brussels.

Hungarian cardinal law on protection of Families reviewed by the Venice Commission

The Venice Commission is currently reviewing the Hungarian cardinal law on the Protection of Families. This law has been strongly criticised, especially for defining family as “based on the marriage of a man and a woman,” and for protecting human life since conception  and concludes that this law respects the letter and the spirit of international treaties on family and follows the legitimate aim to set foundations for the recovery of the country through the protection of life and family. The  European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ) submitted a Memorandum [1] to the Venice Commission demonstrating that this law respects the letter and the spirit of international treaties on family and follows the legitimate aim to set foundations for the recovery of the country through the protection of life and family. By: Grégor Puppinck, PhD, Director of the ECLJ ( http://www.eclj.org )

Observary report shows that 85% of all hate crimes with an anti-religion background in Europe are directed against Christians

The Observatory's Report on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in the Year 2011 was released on March 19th, 2012. This report portrays the most important developments with regard to freedom of religion, the most striking cases of intolerance and discrimination throughout Europe – and what individuals and institutions say about it. The report includes several statistics as well as analysis of the meaning of freedom of religion in the European context. Dr. Gudrun Kugler, director of the Observatory, explains: „Studies suggest that 85% of all hate crimes with an anti-religion background in Europe are directed against Christians. It is high time for the public debate to respond to this reality! We also notice professional restrictions for Christians: a restrictive application of freedom of conscience leads to professions such as magistrates, doctors, nurses and midwives as well as pharmacists slowly closing for Christians. Teachers and parents get

Despite pressure, Slovenians rejected the proposed new LGTB minded family code in referendum

On 25 March 2012, Slovenia held a post-legislative referendum on the new Family Code that was adopted in the Slovenian parliament in June 2011. In a popular vote, 55% of voters rejected the new Family Code and 45% supported the law. Turnout was 30% on a sunny Sunday. The new Family Code had 309 articles and addresses many issues, but despite intense negotiations over the past two and a half years continued to include serious threats to the family and rights of children.

European Court of Human Rights: The limitation of MPA techniques to heterosexual couples and the refusal to allow a woman to adopt her same-sex partner’s child are not discriminatory

Strasbourg , 15 March 2012. In today’s Chamber judgment in the case of GAS et DUBOIS c. France (Requête n o 25951/07) , the European Court of Human Rights held, by six votes to one, that there had been no violation of the European Convention on Human Rights by the limitation of MPA techniques to heterosexual couples and by the French refusal to allow a woman to adopt her same-sex partner’s child. (Source: Grégor Puppinck , Director of the European Center for Law and Justice (ECLJ) See further information here

British Government Again Attacking Religious Freedom

The British Government is threatening to further undermine religious liberty by arguing that Christians do not have a right to wear a cross or crucifix openly at work. According to a March 10th article in the Daily Telegraph , ministers will fight a case at the European Court of Human Rights in which two British women will seek to establish their right to display the cross.  They will argue that "because it is not a "requirement" of the Christian faith, employers can ban the wearing of the cross and sack workers who insist on doing so," the Telegraph reports. (Source: Dignitatis Humanae Institute )

European Commission finds it difficult to explain its funding for homosexual lobby groups

It was of course never to be expected that the European Commission, as a reply to critical questions from the European Parliament with regard to the generous funding it is handing out to ILGA-Europe (a homosexual lobby group), would openly acknowledge to have committed a misuse of budgetary funds. But if replies to parliamentary questions are evasive and not to the point, this can be viewed as a clear indication that the Commission finds it very difficult to explain to the public what it is doing. Click here for an interesting article with the official asked questions of MEP Godfrey Bloom to the European Commission, the answers of different European Commissioners. Unfortunately it shows a lack of transparency in spending money, a strange relations with the Civil Society and a low level of democracy. This all in times of economic crisis where lots of money seemed to be wasted.......  (Source: turtlebay and beyond)

The ECPM rejects stigmatization Eastern-European workers by the Dutch "Party for Freedom"

The ECPM rejects a recent action taken by the Dutch ‘Party for freedom’ (PVV) against workers from new EU member-states. The PVV recently created a hotline for Dutch people to report behavior by workers from these states that ‘does not fit in Dutch culture’ and also to report so-called ‘job-stealing’ by mentioned workers. We call on the Dutch government to distance itself from this action in clear terms. This is even more necessary considering the fact that this initiative is taken by a party that gives parliamentary support to the Dutch government.

Prayers in the US Congress

Please find below two prayers in the US House of Representatives. One prayer was prayed the day I visited the US Congress 03 February 2012. The other prayer was the first prayer of the Continental Congress in 1774.  "Be Thou present, O God of wisdom, and direct the councils of this honorable assembly; enable them to settle things on the best and surest foundation." By Leo van Doesburg &  Theresa Creel

Campaign: In the Republic of Moldova "I DO NOT have the right of free speech!"

Together with Anca Bulica (Care for Europe), I wrote an article about the fact that with the proposal for the new anti-discrimination legislation in Moldova with as title: "Freedoms of Religion and Conscience under serious attack in the Republic of Moldova". You can read the article here . That this threat is serious (even before the acceptance of the proposed anti-discrimination law), is proven by the fact that Marian Vitalie is taken into court by the organization "Gender Doc-M" that defends the rights of sexual minorities in the Republic of Moldova. On August the 1st, the court issued a conclusion, by which he was banned from disclosing to the public while the charges against him have not been proven by the court yet.  Even in case the new law on anti-discrimination would not be accepted by the Moldovan parliament, it seems that already the freedom of expression is in quite danger in the Republic of Moldova. Therefore he started a campaign: "In the Rep

Over 500 Cases of Intolerance Against Christians in Europe Now Online

The Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians has just published its 500th case, and behind every case there is a personal story. Working in almost 30 countries with many different languages makes it impossible to research and document all incidents which take place in Europe. The documentation of the Observatory is only exemplary of a phenomeon which is often overlooked, sometimes denied and rarely addressed because it is multi-causal and multi-facetted. The Observatory researches, documents and analyses the problem, which is the first step towards a remedy. Through its work, politicians, decision-makers, journalists, intellectuals and all those interested are able to grasp what is going on, gain a fuller picture and develope adequate responses.You can find the cases here

Major victory for life. Council of Europe: “Euthanasia must always be prohibited”

We welcome the adoption, by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), of a  Resolution setting the principle that “ Euthanasia, in the sense of the intentional killing by act or omission of a dependent human being for his or her alleged benefit, must always be prohibited .” This is the first time, in the past decades, that euthanasia is so clearly rejected by a European political institution. This Resolution is a major victory for the protection of life and dignity; it comes a year after the European Court asserted that there is no right to euthanasia or assisted suicide under the European Convention. It is a new major victory for life and dignity, states Grégor Puppinck, Director of the ECLJ. It should have a direct impact on the upcoming judgement of the European Court in the case Koch v. Germany concerning the ban of assisted suicide in Germany.  More information, read more here (Source: the European Center for Law and Justice)

UK Prime Minister Cameron about the impact of the Bible and the UK as Christian Country

UK Prime Minister Cameron gave an interesting speech during the 400th anniversary of the Kings James translation of the Bible. He described clearly the role and influence the Bible.  He also mentioned amongst others that the UK is a Christian country and should not be afraid to say so. Further he said that the Bible has helped to give Britain a set of values and morals which make Britain what it is today and that these values should be actively be defended. See his speech here .     

MORE DEMONSTRATIONS: MORE OR LESS DEMOCRACY?

WHY THE LEFT-LIBERAL PUSH IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AGAINST CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT BOOST DEMOCRACY  Following the recent protests that took place in Hungary, the social-liberal opposition in Romania also pushed people in the street today using spontaneous demonstrations that have been held earlier days this week. This comes as a second attempt to the one that unfolded last year, when buses with demonstrators were brought to the Constitutional Square to demonstrate when the Romanian Parliament was discussing the third motion of no confidence. By coincidence, it happened that I had meetings in the Romanian Parliament that same day. The Romanian Military Police did not want to let me in, because some of the demonstrators in the parliament balcony had thrown something down. The Military Police got an order not to let any stranger in the parliament. Eventually I fortunately succeeded and after the meeting I went to the balcony to see the parliamentary debate about this mo

Urgent support needed for PACE Candidate Monette

In the Council of Europe, during its next session on 23rd January 2012, the PACE (Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe) will elect the Commissioner for Human Rights . It is important that this position will be occupied by someone who shares our values. Therefore I support and recommend Pierre Yves Monette. He shares our values and we would like to motivate you to contact your Members of Parliament who are also member of the PACE to ask them to vote in favour of Pierre Yves Monette. Here is the list of your National representatives in the PACE Pierre Yves Monette   i s also supported by  the EPP  group in the  EU: The EPP President, Wilfried Martens , made public at the Marseille meeting last December that Pierre Yves Monette should be supported. Also Joseph Daul   (EPP Chair in the European parliament) supports Mr Monette and recommended him to his colleague s in the PACE . Please find here the link to the website of Mr Monette which contains