Brussels, 14/09/2005 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament's Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee has appointed German FDP Alexander Alvaro as rapporteur on the controversial issue of data retention for counter-terrorism purposes, for which the European Parliament is calling for codecision (most Member States are running shy of this (see EUROPE 9022 on debate at EP with President of Council, Charles Clarke, and 9023 and 9024 on progress at Council level after Newcastle JHA Council)). In a press release, the rapporteur comments that the obstinacy with which the Council is holding out and refusing to grant codecision verges on disrespect for democracy. He said the question of data retention was becoming a question of power and competence. Alexander Alvaro pointed out that the European Commission has competence for data retention. He didn't think agreement at the Council would be rapidly forthcoming.