Brussels, 23/04/2002 (Agence Europe) - The President of the Party of European Socialists, Robin Cook, considers the defeat of Jean-Marie Le Pen at the second round of presidential elections in France is "vital for France and for Europe". He states in a press release that "The PES will stand shoulder to shoulder with our French sister party in its campaign to expose the threat posed by Le Pen and to defend the open and tolerant society of France which Le Pen would bring to an end".
President of the PES Group at the European Parliament Enrique Baron expressed solidarity with Lionel Jospin. "On behalf of the PES Group and on my own personal behalf, I wish to pay tribute to a Government which, over the last five years, has brought honour to France", he writes, before sending his encouragement to the French Socialist Party in its fight for the legislative elections in June. "The rise of the extreme right is, unfortunately, a European phenomenon which calls for a deep and urgent reflection by our political family", adds Mr Baron.