(BRUSSELS) - Former Cyprus lawmaker Androulla Vassiliou, wife of the former president George Vassiliou, was officially nominated Friday to take over the European Commission's health portfolio.

The nomination of Vassiliou, who will replace Markos Kyprianou after he was named Cyprus's new foreign minister, has been forwarded to the European Parliament and the EU member states for their endorsement.

She must be auditioned by the parliament, which could refuse the posting, and will ultimately only serve at the EU's executive body for 18 months, as the current commission's mandate expires in autumn 2009.

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