Barroso: Barrot to replace Frattini if latter resigns

BRUSSELS, April 22 (Xinhua) -- European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said Tuesday that commission Vice President Jacques Barrot would take over the justice and security portfolio if Franco Frattini resigns from the commission.

The replacement for Frattini to be nominated by Italy will be in charge of the transport portfolio that is currently held by Barrot, said Barroso in a statement.

Frattini is taking unpaid leave from the European Commission to take part in Italy's election campaign. With the victory of Silvio Berlusconi, he is expected to be appointed foreign minister in his country.

Barrot has taken up the responsibility of Frattini, who is also a commission vice president, since the latter's departure from commission duties.

"In order to fully ensure the coherence and effectiveness of the complex and sensitive work in the justice, liberty and security portfolio, the president has decided that in case Vice President Frattini will resign from the commission, he will ask Vice President Barrot, who is currently replacing Vice-President Frattini in an outstanding way, to take responsibility for the portfolio for the rest of the mandate," said Barroso in his statement.