Leterme to take office on Wednesday: Van Rompuy

BRUSSELS, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Former Belgian prime minister and current Foreign Minister Yves Leterme would return to the top post on Wednesday, departing Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy told media Tuesday.

"Yves Leterme has been given a second chance now, he has got all the elements to prove he is a good prime minister," Van Rompuy told RTL TVI.

"I hope he will succeed for him and for Belgium," said Van Rompuy, who has resigned to become the first President of the European Council.

"I hope the government can be put in place as soon as possible, I hope the new prime minister will do a good job," he added.

Reports said the cabinet would largely remain unchanged.

King Albert II asked another ex-premier, Wilfried Martens, last Friday, the second day after Van Rompuy was elected EU president at an informal summit, to organize "a quick and efficient transition".

Martens also confirmed that Leterme would take the top job.

Leterme will visit the King after Van Rompuy's formal departure from the post on Wednesday morning.

Leterme is expected to make an official declaration in parliament at 5:00 pm (1600 GMT), according to Belgian media.

The parliament will gather on Thursday to discuss Leterme's declaration before voting to confirm it on Friday.