Brussels, 07/05/2002 (Agence Europe) - European Parliament President Pat Cox unreservedly condemned the assassination of Pim Fortuyn, populist candidate to the legislative elections in the Netherlands on 15 May. Speaking on behalf of the European Parliament, Mr Cox expressed his solidarity with the family and friends of Pim Fortuyn, as well as with the Dutch people. President of the EP Socialist Group Enrique Baron said he was deeply shocked by what the whole of his group denounces as an "attack against democracy". The event is all the more surprising as it occurred in a "country recognised throughout the world for its tolerance and openness", added Mr Baron. Dutch Socialist Max van den Berg, Vice-President of the Group, associated himself to this statement.
"As a democrat, a Dutchman and a European", Commissioner Frits Bolkestein sees the killing of Mr Fortuyn as an attack on the freedom of expression and on the right to stand for election in a democratic society.
Javier Solana, EU's High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, also denounced this criminal act in a press release. "You may disagree with the ideas but democracy is true to freedom of expression and … everybody has the right to express ideas", said Mr Solana.