29/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - As foreseen, the president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, decided on Monday 28 April to extend until 15 May 2008 the unpaid leave of absence granted to Vice-President Franco Frattini (EUROPE 9652). This extension was at Mr Frattini's request, given that political consultations for the nomination of the new Italian government were still ongoing. The current justice and home affairs commissioner also announced he had declined to take up the seat in the Italian parliament to which he had been elected. This leave of absence could end before 15 May if the ongoing political consultations allow the situation of the vice president to be clarified before that date, a Commission press release states. (B.C.)