<CHAPTER ID=1>
Resumption of the session
<SPEAKER ID=1 NAME="President">
I declare resumed the session of the European Parliament adjourned on 17 December 2001 .
<P>
Before discussing the order of business , ladies and gentlemen , I should like to take just a minute of your time to add my sincere tribute to those paid by all Parliamentary groups to our outgoing President , Mrs Fontaine , during the sitting of 17 December .
I was one of those standing against her two years ago , as I am sure you all remember .
I am , therefore , delighted to acknowledge today and thank her for her dignity , impartiality , efficiency and the exceptional elegance with which she has fulfilled her duties in the service of the European Union , thereby increasing the prestige of our Parliament .
<P>
( Loud applause )
<CHAPTER ID=2>
Order of business
<SPEAKER ID=2 NAME="President">
Following the decisions taken by the Conference of Presidents on 10 January , a final draft agenda has been distributed .



<SPEAKER ID=3 NAME="President">
Pursuant to the Rules of Procedure , the election of the President will take place tomorrow , from 10.00 a.m .
<P>
I would remind you that , pursuant to the Rules of Procedure , no debate on any subject other than the election of the President or the verification of credentials can take place while the Oldest Member is in the Chair .
<P>
Pursuant to Rule 13 of the Rules of Procedure , nominations for the Presidency of the European Parliament must be submitted - with the agreement of the individuals concerned - by a political group or by a minimum of 32 Members .
<P>
Pursuant to the Rules of Procedure , the following nominations have been submitted for the Presidency of the European Parliament :
<P>
Mr Bonde
<P>
Mr Cox
<P>
Mr David Martin
<P>
Mr Onesta
<P>
Mr Wurtz
<P>
The candidates have informed me that they accept their nominations .
I would also point out that , pursuant to Rule 14 ( 1 ) of the Rules of Procedure , in order to be elected , a candidate must obtain - in the first three rounds of voting - an absolute majority of the votes cast .
Blank and spoilt ballot papers will not be counted among the votes cast .
<P>
In order to speed up tomorrow morning 's work , I propose that we draw lots now to select the six tellers .
<P>
( The President drew lots to select the tellers )
<P>
I can now tell you that Mrs Patsy Srensen , Mr Dieter-Lebrecht Kock , Mr Giuseppe Nistic , Mr Reinhard Rack , Mr Ilkka Suominen and Mrs Alima Boumediene-Thiery have been appointed tellers .
