BEIJING, June 7 -- European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso has reiterated his view that a decision on the future of the EU constitution should be taken by member states collectively.

    Barroso made the remarks when asked to comment on news that the UK foreign minister Jack Straw will propose halting the UK's plans for a referendum on the treaty. He said the constitution was signed together. Now a decision about the process forward should be taken together.

    Europe's leaders have been split over how to proceed following the double "No" vote from French and Dutch voters last week.

    At the weekend, the French and German governments urged other member states to continue the ratification process.

    Barroso himself has already warned member states not to take any "unilateral" action to shelve ratification plans.

    Barroso appealed for leaders to wait until a meeting of EU heads of state on June 16-17 before making a decision.

    (Source: CRIENGLISH.com)