Barroso welcomes ratification of Lisbon Treaty by Italian parliament

BRUSSELS, July 31 (Xinhua) -- European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso welcomed on Thursday the approval of the Lisbon Treaty by the Italian parliament. The Chamber of Deputies on Thursday approved the treaty, following the Senate' approval last week. "As a founding country, both the Italian government and a broad political spectrum in parliament have shown unwavering support for the European project and the successful ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon. I greatly appreciate the support that they have shown," said Barroso in a statement. The Lisbon Treaty was rejected by Irish voters in a referendum in June. The entry into force of the treaty requires the ratification of all 27 member states of the EU. The Lisbon Treaty, signed by EU heads of state and government in December 2007, will make EU's much needed... [read full story]