Strasbourg, 20/06/2000 (Agence Europe) - The draft directive presented by the European Commission at the initiative of Frits Bolkenstein for the liberalisation of postal services in Europe gave rise to negative reactions from the left wing of the European Parliament. About one hundred representatives of the Socialist Group, the United Left and the Greens, from practically all Member States, signed a "European appeal for a high level universal postal service" ensuring, among other things, equal treatment for all as well as the safeguarding of post offices and employment. British Labour member Brian Simpson protested against proposals concerning the fall in the weight limit for liberalised services to 50 grams (the EP would be willing to accept a limit of 10 grams) and predicted difficult discussions on this proposal within the Council (ten Union postal services think as we do, he affirmed). "We are not against liberalisation", said Dutch Green elected member, Theodorus Bouwman, but "at what speed?" The Parliament calls for appropriate impact studies to be made, said Mr Bouwman. French Communist Sylviane Ainardi noted that the future French Council Presidency has a very clear position on this question: Mr Moscovici gave his assurance that France will oppose this draft directive.