Ousted Romanian president defiant

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Ousted Romanian President Traian Basescu says he will not resign following his suspension by parliament for alleged abuse of office.

His decision comes despite a ruling in the constitutional court approving the appointment of an interim leader, Senate chairman Nicolae Vacaroiu.

The court ruled that parliament - controlled by Mr Basescu's opponents - had the right to oust him on Thursday.

It clears the way for a parliament referendum on Mr Basescu's impeachment.

Mr Basescu has been accused of abusing his office by overriding the cabinet and criticising the judiciary - charges he says are politically motivated.

Correspondents say any move to impeach Mr Basescu is likely to fail because he remains the most popular politician in the country.

Earlier, the European Commission voiced concern that the current political crisis in Romania could weaken the fight against corruption and commitment to judicial reform in the country.

Public spat

Mr Basescu has been at odds for several months with the Prime Minister, Calin Popescu Tariceanu. They have accused each other on television of involvement in dubious multi-million-dollar energy deals.

In the parliament on Thursday, 322 members voted to suspend Mr Basescu, with 108 against and 10 abstentions.

The suspension was proposed by the leftist opposition party PSD.

Mr Vacaroiu was approved by the constitutional court to replace him temporarily.

Mr Basescu denies any wrongdoing and earlier vowed to resign if a referendum on his impeachment was called.