13/10/2003 (Agence Europe) - As we announced in the bulletin of 19 September (p.17), the bureau of the Committee of the Regions decided on Wednesday 8 October to appoint Gerhard Stahl, currently director of consultative work, interim Secretary General. It also approved a new recruitment procedure for the post of Secretary General. The former holder of this post, Vincenzo Falcone, whose appointment was cancelled by the Court of First Instance of the European Communities, has been relieved of his duties. He will become a grade A2 director without a specific portfolio. However, as he had already announced even before the Court's ruling, he will officially leave the Committee on 1 September 2004, but will take unpaid leave as of 31 January 2004.