23/11/2004 (Agence Europe) - On the subject of the remarks by José Barroso, which upset the atmosphere within the group of European Liberals and Democrats (see our bulletin of 19 November, p.6), EUROPE feels obliged to report on the letter written to the new Commission president by Graham Watson: "I have stated publicly that I believe her (Ed.: Ms Kroes) well qualified for the job and that my Group did not seek her removal. I am not aware of having made any statements insisting on Neelie Kroes being kept in this post". Mr Barroso answered by return of mail: "I assume that those positions, repeatedly taken by yourself as President and by members of your Group, are taken on behalf of the ALDE and can only be interpreted as a demand for Mrs Kroes' permanence in the portfolio".