Romanian minister for Parliament Bogdan Olteanu resigned yesterday from Tariceanu's Cabinet so that, as a common Liberal member, he can now run for official position as president of the Chamber of Deputies The ex minister said he was not sure about victory: "I am not sure I will take over the Chamber of Deputies. This decision is up to MPs. Unless they support me, I will be a common deputy." Bogdan Olteanu claimed: "Unless I get a vote of confidence, my presence in the Executive will be immoral." He explained his decision to resign as minister, claiming such an official position would have pointed to the Executive's interference in Parliament affairs, which was undesirable. Diaconescu: Tariceanu wants to prevent Mona Musca PSD (the Social-Democrat Party) spokesman Cristian Diaconescu said that the real reason for this resignation was PM Tariceanu's obvious attempt to prevent Mona Musca's candidacy to president of the Chamber of Deputies by all means. Diaconescu explained: "There have lately been talks and confrontations. In the Coalition things are not at all clear about support for candidates. (...)" The PSD spokesman mentioned his party would decide on candidate for this official position today. He added Valer Dorneanu was first on the list. Party sources claim Dorneanu's candidacy is certain. (...) The Liberal group is to decide today Olteanu said he didn't have talks with parliamentary party representatives with view to support for his candidacy. He mentioned: "There have been no political negotiations for the future president of the Chamber of Deputies. But I have talked to most deputies from all groups, I have expressed my view, I have told them I will be a loyal president." Olteanu said today he would ask Liberal deputies for support. He also announced that PM Tariceanu would announce Olteanu's candidacy today. He thanked the Liberal PM for his trust and said he was sorry he would not be part of the first government of "European" Romania after 2007. Olteanu avoided making comments on the Conservatives' claim to have their own candidate. He said it was up to Alliance and Coalition leaders to express opinion on this.

Raluca PAPADOPOL, Razvan GHEORGHE