17/04/2003 (Agence Europe) - The Italian extremist Gianfranco Dell' Alba, who attended the signing ceremony of the membership treaty on Wednesday like the other members of the Conference of the Presidents of the European Parliament (whilst representing the non-registered members) salutes in a press release the "great speed" with which the new member States knew how to "re-conquer democracy, individual liberty and the constitutional state" following 50 years of communist regimes. In his view, "the exemplary contribution" brought by these countries in the Iraqi crisis (alluding to the backing declared by several among those present at the US-British intervention) could "substantially alter the social democratic franco-rhenish supremacy which has dominated Europe up to now". The European elected member of the Bonino List hopes that as soon as these countries are confronted "with the rhythms and dynamics of the European institutions, will not loose the democratic and sincerely European vigour which distinguishes them and, on the contrary, could strengthen it"