Brussels, 16/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - "It's nice to be together, it's nice that there are so many of us", said Romano Prodi in Rome on Saturday in his speech to the "convention", which launched the common list of four opposition centre-left parties for the European elections of 13 June (democratici di sinistra, Margherita, Socialisti democratici italiani and Repubblicani europei). "I will not be able to enter this house until 1 November, but it is already my home", he added, repeating that he will keep his commitment to remain President of the Commission until 31 October, but then he will be the centre-left candidate for the post of Italian Prime Minister. Without ever mentioning Silvio Berlusconi by name, Mr Prodi said: "it is said to say that for the first time, Europe cannot count on our country" and "it has been insinuated that you have to be anti-European in order to be pro-American". This speech by Romano Prodi caused the government majority in Italy to renew appeals for his resignation from his post as President of the Commission.
Romano Prodi will not lead the Campaign for the Europeans in Italy, and will not take part in it, said Commission spokesperson Reijo Kemppinen on Monday, adding: Mr Prodi continues to work "between twelve and fourteen hours a day, including the weekend".