Barroso 'rejoices' at conclave's choice

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso congratulated Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger on his election as Pope Benedict XVI.

"In the name of the European Commission, I would like to express my fervent desire that a long and happy pontificate allows your Holiness to work for the dialogue between religions and universal values and for the defence of human rights and individuals' dignity as humans," he said.

"Personally, I rejoice at the conclave's choice and remain convinced that your Holiness will pursue with determination and strength the work of your illustrious predecessor John Paul II," Mr Barroso said.

Maltese Communications Minister Censu Galea's meeting with Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot in Brussels on Tuesday was suddenly interrupted by news of the new Pope. Mr Barrot passed on the message to the Maltese delegation by pronouncing Habemus Papam.

Meanwhile, Turkey, one of the countries striving to join the EU, was not overjoyed by the cardinals' decision. The Turkish press commented that the new Pope could raise fresh obstacles to its membership.

Cardinal Ratzinger had said that Turkey should seek its future in an association of Islamic nations rather than the EU, which has Christian roots.

In an interview last year with France's Le Figaro magazine, Ratzinger, then doctrinal head of the Roman Catholic Church, said Turkey had always been "in permanent contrast to Europe" and that linking it to Europe would be a mistake.

"The new Pope is against Turkey," said the Turkish liberal daily Radikal in a headline.

The centrist Milliyet described Cardinal Ratzinger as "one of the fathers of the concept for offering Turkey a privileged partnership" instead of EU membership.