17/04/2009 (Agence Europe) - The European Liberals of the ELDR reject the criticism of the Party of European Socialists against the Liberal manifesto for European elections (see the open letter from President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen in EUROPE 9882) and accuse the Socialists of not acting according to their own principles. In a “Liberal letter to the PES and to all European Socialists”, published on 16 April, the ELDR defends its market defence policy and the opening of postal, health and transport services. Also, the Liberals attack the PES head on regarding the question of equal opportunities and human rights. “The ELDR president is a woman (Annemie Neyts). How does the PES stand? The ELDR secretary general is a woman. How does the PES stand? Five out of our 7 party vice-presidents are women (…) 42% of Liberal MEPs are women (…) How does the PES stand on this?” the Liberal letter reads. (H.B./transl.jl)