05/05/2009 (Agence Europe) - During a press conference, the president of the Liberal group, Graham Watson, was asked what line his group would adopt during the vote on revising the European Parliament's internal rule that is expected to end the tradition of the oldest member of the EP chairing the inaugural session, in an attempt to prevent Jean-Marie Le Pen carrying out this role on 14 July. Watson indicated that his group would not oppose this amendment. He did, however, regret that the presidents of the PES and Greens/EFA groups, Martin Schulz and Daniel Cohn-Bendit had turned this issue into an advertising campaign for Jean-Marie Le Pen, which he would not have otherwise had. Mr Watson said they would have done better to use their energy in ensuring that Le Pen is not re-elected. (O.J./transl.rh)