Barroso mulls criticism, tours capitals

Jose Manuel Barroso says he is taking the European Parliament’s rejection of his choice for justice commissioner into consideration, while continuing his tour of the EU capitals.

In Nicosia, Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos had Turkey on his mind. His guest was wondering if he would have his team in place by deadline: “As you all know, I hope the new Commission will be fully in power next November, and I am now meeting all the heads of state or heads of government – all the members of the European Council – so as I can get a first-hand direct contact about what their priorities are.” Papadopoulos said on Thursday that Turkey should treat Cyprus the same as other EU members if it wants to start membership talks with the bloc. Turkey does not recognise Cyprus and has troops in the breakaway north of the island.

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