21/10/2009 (Agence Europe) - In addition to allocating the Sakharov Prize for freedom of spirit, the conference of presidents of the political groups of the European Parliament are to examine, on Thursday 22 October, the reconstitution and composition of the working group on the Middle East chaired by Hans-Gert Pöttering. Joseph Daul of France, who chairs the EPP Group, suggested that the former president of the European Parliament should be renewed in his post at the head of this working group. Group leaders will also discuss the reconstitution of the High Level Contact Group for relations with Turkish Cypriots, headed by Françoise Grossetête of France during the previous legislature. They are also to hold an exchange of views on arrangements for organising hearings of future European commissioners. These hearings may take place between 30 November and 4 December subject to ratification of the Lisbon Treaty and designation of the commissioners concerned. (O.J./transl.jl)