European Commission President Barroso to stand for 2nd term

"I have asked President Barroso whether he stands ready for this very important post. And I am glad to inform you that I got a positive answer," Fischer told reporters after a meeting with Barroso. Fishcher, whose country holds the rotating EU presidency, said he would immediately start consultations on the nomination with the other EU member states. Barroso himself said he had accepted the offer to stay on as European Commission President for another five years. "I am honored that the president of the European Council (Fischer) has today asked me if he could put forward my name for a second mandate in view of the consultations he would be making in preparation for the next European Council (EU summit). I have agreed to this request," Barroso said. The two men met on Tuesday morning to make preparations for the EU summit next week, when a decision on the nomination of a new European Commission President is expected. Appointment of the executive chief needs approval of the European Parliament. Barroso said he would take up the job if the EU member states and the European Parliament agreed with his political program for the next five years. "This acceptance presupposes that the European Council and the European Parliament embrace the ambitious political program that I will propose for Europe for the next five years"; Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.chinaview.cn for full version