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  Jean-Marie Le Pen (NI). – (FR) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I have been personally censured by a fellow Member for my statements about the massacre in Norway, and let me tell you that it is a lie. In condemning the Norwegian Government’s naivety for having failed in its security obligations, I was actually making a political judgment about Norwegian policy. States are responsible for protecting their citizens; however there was not a single police officer on the island.

  President. – Mr Le Pen, you are speaking on a substantive matter, and this is not in accordance with the rules.

  Jean-Marie Le Pen (NI). – (FR) Mr President, I have been attacked by the paedophile Mr Cohn-Bendit and I am entitled to reply. I am entitled to remind you that he was censured in this House for having harboured a terrorist from the Red Army Faction and that he supported the Cambodians. I have the right to defend my honour. You may be President of this House, but I am the second oldest member.

  President. – Mr Le Pen, I agree. You have made your statement. Thank you. We will take your words into consideration.

  Jean-Marie Le Pen (NI). – (FR) Mr President, you cut off my mike, even though I had not finished my speech. I have the right to defend myself if my honour is being attacked: that is the least one might ask. Will you let me speak? It is quite clear: I said that the Norwegian Government was naive because it had not made security provisions, either on the island or behind it. It took the police an hour and a half to arrive at the scene of the crime. I think it is right that a Member of the European Parliament should be able to express his opinion on the attitude of a government that is part of Europe.

  President. – Pursuant to Rule 151, you may not currently speak on substantive matters. I think you have delivered the most important part of your statement and we thank you for this. Thank you for your statement.

  Jean-Marie Le Pen (NI). – (FR) Mr President, you are preventing me from speaking: anyone would think we were among the Bolsheviks!

IN THE CHAIR: RAINER WIELAND
Vice-President