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www.alde.eu
OPERATIONRED DRAGONOPERATION
RED DRAGON
Thierry Robberecht Marco Venanzi Michel Pierret
ThierryRobberechtMarcoVenanziMichelPierret
OPERATIONREDDRAGON
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OPERATIONRED DRAGONBased on creation by Yannick Laude
Thierry Robberecht Marco Venanzi Michel Pierret
Illustrations: Marco Venanzi Michel PierretStory: Thierry Robberecht
Colors: Thierry Faymonville Mathieu Gauthy
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ISBN 978-2-203-70072-7Original title : Opration Dragon Rouge
Translation : Ros Schwartz
Casterman 2006 - Reedition 2010All rights reserved. No part of the work may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage andretrieval systems without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.
D. 2006/0053/612
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Brussels. EuropeanParliament. Meeting
of the Parliamentary Committee on
International Trade.We move on to
Commissioner David Elroys report on the WTOnegotiations Mr Elroy,
over to you
As you are aware, the aim of these negotiations is to remove
trade barriers and stimulate global growth...
we are encouraging DongFang to step up measures
against counterfeiting and piracy, which is of concern
to our manufacturers,and Im glad to say there
is progress
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An EU delegation led by Elisa Correr,our rapporteur, is currently in Dong Fang
on a fact-finding mission, which is why she is not here today
The choice of a stalwart Liberalsuch as Ms Correr to take charge of this report made a favourable impression on the Council and it is likely that the Presidency willpropose to grant Parliament the
right of assent for the proposed Trade treaty...
We have been demandingthis through repeated
resolutions, supported by the precedent
set in 1994.
Ms Correr, I am deeply honoured by the trust you place in the Peoples Republic of Dong
Fang concerning trade. But why are you so inflexible
with regard to liftingthe arms embargo?
Because you have failed to keep your promises on the
question of human rights, Mr Li,and I sincerely hope that you will
be forced to embrace democracy asa result of the increased wealth
trade brings the people of Dong Fang.
Its going well,isnt it? Ive never
known the Dong Fangofficials to be so
conciliatory!I think,
Mathias, that theyre playing off
the Parliament against the Council, which is
a good opportunity for us.
Im glad Im going home tomorrow! Ive had enough of all this kowtowing! My back aches! Youre very quiet. Youre thinkingabout Tony, arent you? Is he here? After all,
hes at home here.
No, Mathias, hesnot from here.
Besides, I have no idea where he is.
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Wherever hes from,you seem pretty keen
on him! You know what you should do
Youre an expert on world trade, Mathias,
but I dont need your advice on other
matters
Tony!
Hello Elisa!
What are you doing here?
I had to see you, Elisa,but in private Id rather
nobody caught ustogether
I thought Id see you sooner
I wasnt able to contact youIve got a lot of problems at the
moment
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Arms manufacturers from several European countries have defied it these photoswere taken in the province of Sin Kiang,
a week ago you recognise this logo,its a European consortium
The politicalpolice?
No. I dont think the government is
involved in this businessat all. More likely the hit
squad of a corrupt general
with links to the triads .
Have a look at these!
What is it?
Its the proof that European weapons have been sold
to Dong Fang and delivered!
It cant be true, theresan embargo!
Come back with me!There wont be any problem as youre
not wanted by the state police!
They know Im here I wanted to hand the
photos over to you and see you again
I was caught by the security guards I had to run Dont be nave, Elisa!
They wont let me leave with the European
delegation they have a long reach Ill have
to chance my luck
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When will I see you again? Soon! at least
I hope so!
I dont believe it!What are they going
to do with him? They searched
him. Theyre clearly lookingfor something!
This!
Photos?
Now this isthe plan
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The agreement under negotiation at the WTO will modify too many acts passed
by co-decision with the Parliament, essen-tially in the field of services. The presi-dency cannot refuse to grant assent on
the overall bill to the Parliament.Besides, the European Commission is in
agreement, and my country respectsParliaments prerogative. During our
presidency, we have kept the Parliament fully informed
of the state of the negotiations.
I support the presidency. We already did so in 1994 during the previous round
of negotiations, and we had no cause for regret!
Besides, with a MEP like Elisa Correr, I think we can
avoid futile debates over the benefits of free trade...
Good, I think we can recommend a decision
of principle alongthese lines to the
next General AffairsCouncil.
Elisa, theresnothing else you
can do but go back to Europe!
Maybe but I feel as if
Im desertingTony!
I shall complain to the highest authorities,
Captain. We are part of an officialdelegation!
We have diplomatic
passports!This search is illegal.
Whatsgoing
on?
The European Union district of Brussels
European Council of Ministers building.Meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives.
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Theyre going!Lis going to hear about
this!
Hell be outraged!
That search was completely
out of order!
Hi Paola! Sorry to wake you I need you to
contact Helmut ASAP.
I have a case to submit to him and Id like him as chairman
of the group to put it on the agenda of our
next meeting
European Union district,the European Parliament.
This arms sale business is
unbelievable!
Elisa managed to hand over the photos to the
European representativesin Dong Fang. I received
them today in the diplomatic bag!
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Ok Paola! Ill put Tony Liangon the agenda for tomorrows
meeting so we can draft an urgency resolution.
And what is Elisaplanning to do about
the arms?
I think shes goingto raise it at national level
first. The main manufacturer alleged to have sold arms to Dong Fang is in our country.
Id like Elisa to come and see me the minute she gets back. This looks
like a very serious matter.
Illtell her.
Yes Paola what time is the group meeting? OK. Ive already got a meeting with the
Defence Minister wholl be in Brussels for a Council
meeting ... he seemed anxious to see me.
I have to attend a Council meetingnow and be back in the capital at
the end of today. So lets be brief.Why are you getting involved
in this business?
With all due respect, Minister,have you forgotten that our country signed an embargo
on the sale of armsto Dong Fang?
Theres no need for irony.
Your party is in opposition to the gouvern-ment, you could
be bluffing.
And besides, Im surprised that you, Ms
Correr, are prepared to risk offending our oriental
friends, in the midst of the WTO negotiations ...
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Forgive me for insisting its about your trip
to Dong Fang
What? What do you want?
I dont have time I have
an appoint-ment.
Ms Correr!
Are you telling me to
keep quiet?
Is that athreat?
I wouldnt presume,Ms Correr lets say its a piece of advice.
That information could harm a lot of
people, even you!
It would be better to keep the information
you were given to yourself,it was probably false
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Even though I dont believe an urgency resolution is appropriate, I think
we should pay attention to the fate of minorities in this country
There are two more speakers and then
well talk about your friend from
Dong Fang.
Hes not from Dong
Fang!
Id like to draw your attention to a very serious human rights
case in Dong Fang. Mathias Lange,MEP, witnessed the forceful arrest
of the journalist Tony Liangby a group of thugs linked to
an ambitious, corrupt general ...
We have good reason to believe that the Dong Fang government
has no involvement in this affair but feels duty bound to keep quiet about it so as not to lose face.
Meanwhile, we have no idea of Tony Liangs current whereabouts and we fear for his safety. This
resolution should force the Dong Fang authoritiesto face up to their responsibilities.
... I am asking you to put an urgency resolution demanding Mr Liangs immediate
release on the agenda of the plenary Parliamentary session.
I understand Elisas concern,but is she not afraid of souring
our already fragile relationswith Dong Fang?
Granted, but the LiberalDemocrats have principlesto defend and this is aquestion of human rightsso we must take that risk.Especially as Mr Liangis also a British citizen.
Meeting room of the alde group in the european parliament
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Have you thought about what
I said earlier,Ms Correr?
Hello?
I want to stop you making a mistake,
Ms Correr! A very seriousmistake!
Who are you, and what do you want? Hello!Hello!
Meeting of the Conference ofPresidents of the political groups
at the European Parliament.
Ladies and Gentleman,
I declare the session closed.
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Ive just come out of the Conference of presidents: the proposed urgency resolution
concerning Tony Liangs arrest was carried. Well discuss it
at the next plenary session.
Helmut, I need to talk to you. Ive
been threatened. What? When?
Last night. Someone wants to stop me releasing Tonysphotos provingthat European manufacturershave sold armsto Dong Fang.
What are you going to do?
Hold a pressconference. Its
the only solution.Its my lifeline!
You mean that as soon as its public, the arms
lobby will no longer have a reason to attack you?
Exactly!
Are these photographs
reliable?
Yes!
You can still change
your mind.
I know.
Fabrizio!Arrange a pressconference for 2 pm tomorrow.
It is of the utmost importance. Hint that it concernsa huge scandal.
Certainly Helmut, isthat all?
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Sorry, I didnt realise meetings were still going on.
Hello Is Paola
there?
Can I stay with you for a few days? Ive
had such a scare.
The Liberal Democrat MEP Elisa Correr held a press
conference this morning she claims to have proof that European arms are being sold
to Dong Fang. This scandalhas created a huge stir
... Id like to see these famous photos
before takinga stance...
the sale of armsdoes not come within the
jurisdiction of the European Union, but the embargo
imposed after the terrible repression in 1989 remains in force. There have been
mixed reactions to MEP Elisa Corrers claims
A few days later
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Tomorrow the European Parliament will vote on a resolution demanding the release of a journalist being held illegally in Dong Fang. His investigations uncovered a European arms
trafficking operation organised by an oriental mafia.Our guest is the chairman of the EAC, the European arms
consortium, who insists on responding to MEP Elisa Corrers allegations.
Let me state emphatically that our group is complying
with the European embargo on the sale of arms to Dong
Fang and so these photosmust be rigged !
So are you sayingthat the Liberal-
Democrat MEP lied?
I believe Ms Correr acted in good faith, but I think she allowed
herself to be manipulated by an unscrupulous photographer
prepared to do anythingto get a scoop
we have been told that thisgood lady is having an affair
with Mr Liang, the photographer ...she has probably fallen prey
to a trickster
That was below the belt. It was only
to be expected!
Strasbourg, office of the President of the ALDE group.Now what are
you goingto do?
I dont know,Helmut, I dont
know!
The main priority right now is Tony Liangs fate! I am
confident that our resolution will be carried at the
plenary tomorrow.
T h e AL D E g r o u p h as p u b l i s h e d t h e
p h o t o s t ak e n b y T o n y L i an g i n c r i m i n a-
t i n g t h e E u r o p e an ar m s c o n s o r t i u m .
Ar ms s c a nd a l p ho t o s !
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Im sorry. Im very behind on my work as a result of
this business. Thanks for your help on my report on the WTO
negotiations, Mathias...
Youre welcome.You know it interests
me, but I think we should set a cut-off date for amendments.
Ive got some good news. This afternoon
the Council of Ministers voted to
grant parliament the right of assent. That
will make your report even more important.
I know. And thats why
Im loath to tell you what I plan to do...Whats that?
Id like the delegations backingfor two things: demanding an
independent inquiry into the violation of the arms embargo, and an
amendment to my report suspendingthe granting of assent until the
Council and the Dong Fanggovernment give an explanation.
I sympathise, and youre bound to find allies in the other
parliamentary groups, but first of all you have to convince our own group to make the
connection between trade and this arms trafficking affair.
Tomorrows resolution is a first step. I think this group
is principled enough to support me in the next stages.
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Plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
I witnessed the arrest of the British citizen Tony Liang. Even
though several complaints have been lodged, we still have not been informed of the charges
against him
We dont even know where he is being detained or whether
there will be a trial. I therefore support the urgency resolution
demanding the release of Tony Liang.
Its a matter of sendinga strong signal to the Dong
Fang authorities on the issue
of human rights!
Let us proceed to a vote.
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The urgency resolution demanding the immediate release of Tony Liang is
carried by an overwhelmingmajority.
Ive just heard on to the radio .
Theres been a new development!
This morning, the body of a man who had been shot dead was discovered
by children playing football.The body had been buried but
a hand was visible.
The hand was probably unearthed by small animals.
According to preliminary reports, the body is probably
that of Fred Michelis, an engineer specialising in arms
Fred Michelis worked for the European arms consortium, the consortium
mentioned a few days ago in connection with the sale of arms
to Dong Fang
This murder of course strengthens the accusationsof Liberal-Democrat MEP ElisaCorrer. Did Fred Michelis know
something about the sale of arms to Dong Fang? More in the next news bullentin
This murder sheds a different light on things
Absolutely.But why kill
that engineer?
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That name rings a bell. Michelis,Michelis... of course, he wrote me a rather confused letter. I didnt
get around to replying, Ive received so many letters since the press
conference ...
What do we do now?
Theres only one thing to do.Demand an independent inquiry and
step up the pressure, threaten not to give our assent to the
WTO agreement!
Dont think of it, Elisa!These agreements are
vital for everyone.
The affair is sufficiently serious.I was threatened. Theres been a murder.
The member states must face up to their responsibilities.
Helmut, Elisas right!The serious turn this affair hastaken demands that Parliament
takes a strong line.
Well have to raise it with the group first. Ill put this proposal on
the agenda of the next preparatory
meeting for the Brusselsmini-session.
You can already count on our delegations
support for Elisa.
Minister, what is your response to MEP ElisaCorrers accusations
that arms are beingsold to Dong Fang?
The following week.
No comment. And Ms Correr should have no comment either:
it is a national matter.
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What about the investigation into
the engineersmurder? How is that
progressing?
In our country, the executive powers
and the judicialpowers are separate.
I have nothing to say to you.
But the government is opposingthe investigating magistrates request
to extend his investigation to the activities of the European arms
consortium.
Its a matter of defence
secrets. Im sorry.
Meanwhile, at a meeting ofthe ALDE group in Brussels
dear friends, one of the fundamental principles that unite
us is our respect for treatiesand other commitments
today, there are solid reasons to believe that some member states have violated the embargo on the sale of
arms to Dong Fang
I have already been told that
this is not a matter for the EU but we have seen the violation of the Councils joint decision on the
embargo, the abuse of the Code of conduct on arms exports and a powerless European WeaponsAgency... what more can I say!
You know that I have always
advocated that Dong Fang should be seen as an ally of the EU in these
trade negotiations ... and yet, today,I am asking you to vote for an amendment to my report which
could block the WTO agreementsuntil some light is shed
on this affair
I am asking you in the name of the principles
our political family fights to defend.
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MEEting of the conference of presidentsof political groups.
Id like to thank Elisa and shallvigorously defend her proposal at
the Conference of presidents before our next mini-session
in Brussels.
Im finding it hard to understand the ALDEs position on this issue
global trade for the comingyears is at stake
Europes credibility isat stake how can the
European citizen have faith in us if we sign codes
of conduct which we do not adhere to? If we violate
our stated principles?
If I understand our colleaguesmotion, and I approve it, it will be
sufficient for the Council to believe that we can block the agreement for
us to obtain a proper independent inquiry that will have the power to
question the Ministers of defence of the countries implicated, the High
Representative and the director of the
Weapons Agency...
Supposing my group refuses to support you.
What will you do?
Im curious to know how youll explain things to the press and the public who are
beginning to take a keen interest in this issue.
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Shellbe getting on
the train in 15 minutes.
No danger. Its thought that Michelis handed her
proof. Do as planned.
OK, consider it done.
Well be in Brussels in less
than an hour
I fancy a coffee.Shall I get
you one?
Paris, gare du nord.
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Help!Help!
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We have learned that MEP Elise Correr wasattacked last night. In these circumstances,
there is no way we can backtrack on the approval we have given Parliament.
We would look ridiculous.
The next day in Brussels, Meeting ofthe committee of permanent representatives
Meanwhile, at the plenary session of the European Parliament
The clean-ups begun in my capitaland heads are going to roll, and the same is probably happening in many of yours. The main issue now isnt
arms dealing, but not to jeopardise the trade treaty.
If everybody is in agreement,the presidency is going to
propose deferring the vote on the Correr report in
exchange for full cooperation with Parliament. Theres
not much time, the session is about to start. I shall
phone my Minister to inform him of your agreement
before joining him.
Many of us believe that global trade will give
a boost to the economy and to employment.
And yet, despite everything, I am now asking you to block the WTO agreements. Dong Fang has not progressed far
enough along the road to democracy for us to capitulate in the face of irrefutable evidence. This is no mistake:
this arms dealing is in expectation of the liftingof the embargo that they want us
to agree to
Our citizens would not
understand why we would sell our souls to secure
trade agreements I am asking this assembly to take a stand and defend the fundamental principles
of Europe, the principlesof democracy and the rule of law.
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The president of the Council has
asked to speak.
before hearing about the attack on our colleague,
I thought that this arms scandalwas founded on rumour, but
I see now that it is based on fact.
This is childish. We cant jeopardise global trade for
an affair that sounds like the plot of a trashy novel
I call for the rejection of the ALDE amendment
oh
ah
If the Council had agreed to set up an inquiry into this alleged arms
dealing, we wouldnt have come to this.I support the amendment and
the amendment of the Correr report.
Ladies and Gentlement,the presidency asks you once again to defer the
vote on this report.In exchange, I wish to
inform you that the Council and the member
states are prepared to cooperate fully with
an independent inquiry ...
...we also agree that it is time to reply favourably to Parliaments requests concerning
the monitoring of EU foreign policy and the funding of joint security activities. This sort
of thing must not happen again without Parliament being duly informed.
I request that the vote be Deferred and that my report be sent to the Parliamentary
Committee until further details of the Councils
proposal are known.
The rapporteur asks to be allowed
to speak.
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TheRE is no doubt that the investi-gation into the activities of the
European arms consortium is goingto be re-opened the government
is in a delicate position especially if an investigating magistrate
is able to prove that it wasinvolved in the sale of
arms to Dong Fang.
I have read your report on General Shao and his Operation Red Dragon to acquire
European arms and threaten our government. Well done for eliminating
him, and thank you for having found Tony Liang safe and sound.
I have handed in my resignation to the Prime Minister. It has
been accepted. I have nothingfurther to say
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The End
You will acknowledge that weve had a crackdown, Ms CorrerMy government would like to resume negotiations as soon
as possible
Two weeks later in Dong Fang.
So would I, but there is still one issue to be
cleared up, Mr Li!
Its not courage,Mr Li just a few
principles!
I must admit that you have great courage, Ms Correr:
to hold Dong Fang and 27 member states in check,
secure Liangsrelease bravo!
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The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in theEuropean Parliament
Operation Red Dragon is fictional and Members of theEuropean Parliament fortunately do not lead such dan-
gerous lives as Elisa Correr*. Nevertheless, since its firstdirect election by universal suffrage in 1979, theEuropean Parliament has gradually acquired a prominentpolitical role: it controls the activities and management of the European Commission, which has the sole right of legislative initiative, it co-legislates with the Council of theEU, where Ministers from the twenty-seven states meetin order to discuss work prepared by the Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper).
This double function of legislator and controller hasbeen very well reflected in recent years with, on theone hand in 1999 the forced resignation of theCommission, accused of bad management of public
funds, and on the other hand, the adoption of a seriesof European laws favorable to consumers and citizensalike, such as new rights for rail passengers subject todelays or train cancellations, improvement in the quali-ty of bathing water on European beaches, protection of minors in internet use, and these are just the issuescovered by the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe.
On top: Berlaymont, seat of the European CommissionBeneath: Justus Lipsus, seat of the Council of Ministers
Meeting room of the Committee of PermanentRepresentatives (Coreper).
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The legislative functions of the European Parliamentare exercised along party lines: the Parliament beingmade up of political groups, which bring their influence to bear in order to affect parliamentarydeliberat ions. The Alliance of Liberals andDemocrats for Europe (ALDE), the third largestgroup in the Parliament, is at the centre of theEuropean political chess-board, which is often a keyhinge position between the two major groups, theGroup of Progressive Alliance of Socialists &Democrats in the European Parliament (S&D), on
the lef t of the hemicycle, and theEuropean Peoples Party (EPP), on theright which includes conservatives andChristian-democrats.Each political group is made up of nationalparties, which in the case of the ALDEconsists of 19 countries (Germany,France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain,the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg,Ireland, Denmark, Slovenia, Sweden,
Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania,Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria). The mem-bers of the European Parliament are elec-ted for 5 years in their own country. PaolaBonani* leads the parliamentary delega-tion to the which Elisa Correr belongs,and as such she is a member of theBureau of the ALDE group, chaired by
Helmut Krger*, who oversees the consistency of the Groups positions, which are sometimes affec-ted by national divisions. ALDE is in this contextamong the most disciplined of parliamentary groups.The promotion of liberal democracy based on thefree market and the defense of fundamental rights,combined with economic and social solidarity, res-pect for the environment and cultural diversity,constitutes the ideological base of the liberal anddemocratic family.
Plenary session of the EuropeanParliament.
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Parliament works in two places, Strasbourg, in France,where a weekly plenary session is held each month,and Brussels, in Belgium, where the ParliamentaryCommittees take place, and some additional plenarysessions. The general secretariat of the EP is inLuxembourg. Reports are prepared by ParliamentaryCommittees, made up of MEPs divided up by legisla-tive specialty, and voted in plenary session, in which all732 MEPs are required to vote. This is the reasonwhy we see our heroes unceasingly shuttling between
the two cities.
Elisa Correr is a member of the Committee onInternational Trade, one of the 20 ParliamentaryCommittees that make up the Parliament. She is rap-porteur for the international Treaty concluded bet-ween the EU and the World Trade Organisation(WTO). This type of treaty is negotiated by theEuropean Commission, on a mandate of the Councilof Ministers. The role of the rapporteur consists inputting forward the position of Parliament, through
the means of a parliamentary resolution. At the sametime the Foreign Affairs Committee, of which MathiasLange is a member, is also called to adopt resolutions,known as urgencies, on specific cases, such as that of Tony Liang *.
European Parliament in Strasbourg.
European Parliament in Brussels
Meeting of a Parliamentary Committee.
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It is the Conference of Presidents of Political Groupswhich determines the agenda of parliamentary work and therefore decides if and when reports or resolu-tions will be debated and adopted in plenary sessions.It is within this body that the President of the ALDEGroup will plead for the case of Tony Liang and wherehe will defend the idea of a negative vote on the EU-WTO Treaty.
When speaking, political group presidents reflect thedebates held within their own political groups. Beforeplenary sessions, all parliamentary groups thus holdmeetings where their political strategy is determined.It is during these meetings that ALDE MEPs decide tosupport a text or to amend it (i.e. to modify it) or agree political maneuvers or negotiations that shouldbe undertaken with other parliamentary groups inorder to promote democratic and liberal positions.
* Fictitious characters
Meeting of the conference of Presidents of the political groups.