European Commission President-designate Jose-Manuel Barroso has withdrawn his nomination for his new executive.  

Barroso's team faced defeat because he refused to replace his nominated justice and security chief, Rocco Buttiglione, who outraged many lawmakers with his conservative Roman Catholic views on homosexuality and marriage.

Barroso's dramatic backdown plunged the EU into political uncertainty two days before its leaders are due to sign the bloc's first constitution in Rome.

On Wednesday, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder expressed regret over the postponement of the vote on the incoming EU Commission.

He hoped there would not be a lengthy delay in voting on the Commission, and he warned against institutional conflict.

The same day, incumbent European Commission President Romano Prodi agreed to remain in office until the new EU executive body takes office.

The European Parliament had planned to vote on the New European Commission on Wednesday. The Barroso executive had been due to take office on November 1.

(CRI.com October 28, 2004)