ROTTERDAM, 07/03/03 - Supporters of Pim Fortuyn are determined to unveil the statue of the assassinated politician near Hofplein in his home city of Rotterdam exactly one year after his death. The city council expects that the date of 6 May can indeed be met, "But the procedures must be properly concluded. "

The Statue of Pim Foundation has already chosen the location for the statue and yesterday put up a flag there with a portrait of Fortuyn. Some passers-by made use of the opportunity to be photographed with his brother Simon. He was convinced that the statue could be unveiled a year after his death, though the design that Corry Ammerlaan is to make is not yet ready; the foundation still needs 90,000 euros.

The foundation's planning machine is going a bit too fast for Rotterdam council. The mayor and aldermen have not yet made a decision about the erection of the artwork at the place where it is supposed to be put up. Additionally, an art committee still has to decide whether the quality of the work is high enough. "Everyone is however working towards 6 May," according to a council spokesman.