I liberali e la costituzione Europea

In a statement on 10 July at the closing session of the European

Convention, Andrew Duff MEP, chairman of the Liberal caucus in the European

Parliament, said:

"The draft Constitution is a huge achievement, and will be warmly welcomed

by the European Liberal, Democrat and Reform Party. It is the greatest step

forward for the development of the legal and political system of the Union

since the Treaty of Rome in 1957. By establishing the means for making

genuine progress in the security and defence dimension of the EU, it

transcends the failure of the European Defence Community as long ago as 1954.

"For Liberals, the installation of the binding Charter of Fundamental

Rights at the heart of the integration process is of special importance.

"This is a Constitution built to last. Like all constitutions it will be

capable of organic development. Let us expect, in particular, that member

states will see the need for this in the field of common foreign and

security policy. Liberals want more majority voting in the fiscal area to

ensure the effective operation of the single market. We would also insist

on a real effort to modify the future revision procedures of the

Constitution in Part IV.

"The Convention has been a notable breakthrough in the way Europe does its

political business. It has fostered an unexpectedly good relationship

between European and national parliamentarians. It has ensured that next

year's and future enlargements of the Union will be founded on strong

mutual understanding and political solidarity between old and new member

states.

"The President of the Convention, M. Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, is now

entrusted with conveying the Constitution to the Italian presidency. He is

the custodian of the Convention, and deserves every praise for the

successful accomplishment of his historic task.

"Like President Giscard, we Liberals will now go out to campaign for the

results of the Convention to be accepted as the basis for agreement at the

IGC. We are proud to be core members of the new and large consensus that

drives Europe forward to a more united, democratic and secure future."

(Source: ELDR Press Office)

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From: Liberal International

Date: 15 July 2003

Subject: Hong Kong unrest fuels Taiwan concern

In the third rally of its kind this month, Hong Kong protesters have

continued to chant for greater democratic process for the port city and

resignation of Chief Executive Tung. The citizens of Hong Kong are calling

for democracy because the current situation does not permit them to vote

out leaders: it only allows them to elect 24 out of the 60 legislative seats.

The demonstrations have been sparked by a controversial draft

anti-subversion law which opponents say would allow Beijing to curb Hong

Kong people's freedoms, but they have widened into a concerted

anti-government campaign. The anti-subversion bill has been dropped until

the legislature reconvenes after its summer recess, which will give leaders

in Beijing like Mr. Tung to consider their options.

Leaders in Taipei this past week have pointed to the Hong Kong opposition

to anti-subversion laws to illustrate the differences between Taiwan and

the former British colony, and have indicated the need for safeguards on

Taiwanese freedoms.

Recently, Taiwan Foreign Minister Eugene Chien said that judging by the

Hong Kong experience, China can't be trusted with the "one country, two

systems" model.

"How could the international community believe that Beijing would settle

its terri