Update: No doubts about Dalli's dismissal- Barosso

Barroso replies acidly to Dalli's letter telling him that he himself has ambiguously declared his immediate resignation, reminding him that accusations of conspiracy are "incomprehensible" and that ex-commissioners should "behave with integrity".

Mr Dalli had asked Mr Barroso for a letter on his status, saying that he had not submitted a formal letter of resignation, and therefore there was no resignation. 

The press is on tender hooks to know what Dalli has in stock, as he will be holding a press conference in Brussels at 14.30hrs.

Letter of President Barroso to Mr. Dalli

"Mr Dalli,

I received your letter of 21 October 2012.

I would like to inform you that I am unable to accept the statements and claims made in your letter.

During our meeting on 16 October 2012, you have yourself unambiguously declared your immediate resignation, before the Director General of the Legal Service and the Head of my Private Office. Under the Treaty, no written form is required for a declaration of resignation, and it is irrevocable.

As a consequence, no further question arises about the effectiveness of your resignation.

Your various complaints and accusations of illegal or incorrect conduct vis-à-vis you that you have advanced in several statements since 17 October 2012 are equally incomprehensible. In this respect, I would remind you that you have had in good time several opportunities to react to the issues raised with regard to the OLAF investigation.

Finally, in the light of certain statements and insinuations you have made in relation to the process of preparation of the revised directive on tobacco, I wish to remind you of your obligation, as a former Commissioner, to behave with integrity in accordance with Article 245 TFEU. As the OLAF investigation confirmed, the decision making process of the Commission in the tobacco file has not been affected and, as foreseen in its Work Programme, the Commission will proceed with this proposal."