Democratic leaders and Barack Obama prepared today for a humiliating climb-down over allowing Roland Burris to fill the President-elect's vacant Senate seat.

Scarcely one day after Mr Burris was left out in the rain and barred from swearing-in ceremonies, he was able to declare with confidence that "very shortly I will have the opportunity" to serve in Mr Obama's place.

Harry Reid, the Senate majority leader, held a cordial 45-minute meeting with the man he had once insisted would not - under any circumstances - take the seat. He described the talks as "enlightening" and said Mr Burris was a "very nice man" with whom he had no problem "as an individual".

Mr Obama had previously backed the hard line against Mr Burris because he had been appointed by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who faces criminal prosecution and impeachment for allegedly trying to sell the vacant seat to the highest bidder.

But at a press conference today, the President-elect appeared to wash his hands of the issue, saying it was a "Senate matter" ands adding: "I know Roland Burris. I think he's a fine public servant. If he gets seated, then I'm going to work with Roland Burris, just like I work with all the other senators."

Although the precise terms of a deal have yet to be agreed, Mr Burris dismissed speculation that he had been asked to stand down in 2010 when the next election will be held. He said such matters had "not even been on their radar screen" during his talks with Mr Reid and the senior Senator of Illinois, Dick Durbin. "They were not talking about any conditions. It did not come up," he added.

The abrupt change-of-heart within the Democratic leadership follows comments on Tuesday night from Diane Feinstein, the chairman of the Senate rules committee, indicating that she saw no reason why Mr Burris should be barred. Legal experts have suggested that the grounds for blocking the appointment have little basis in constitutional law.

Mr Obama has been embarrassed by the dispute over his former seat and irritated that it has overshadowed his effort to focus on the economy during his first week back in Washington. Former President Carter also weighed in this morning, telephoning Mr Burris to say he would "make a great Senator".

At the same time, Mr Reid has come under fierce attack from African Americans suggesting that banning Mr Burris - who would be the only black US Senator - was a throwback to the politics of segregation.

Today, the Senate leader expressed gratitude to Mr Burris for avoiding such incendiary language. "One of the first things he said to us was, 'Hey, this is nothing racial, do you understand that?'" said Mr Reid. "A lot of people tried to make this a racial issue. Roland Burris has not, and will not."

Mr Burris was barred this week because Illinois's Secretary of State, Jesse White, is refusing to sign his credentials, as recommended under Senate rules dating back more than 100 years.

But Mr Reid suggested the dispute could be resolved swiftly with a vote in the Senate, possibly within the next few days. He said remaining hurdles included a ruling form the Illinois Supreme Court on whether Mr White's signature was a necessary requirement — and Mr Burris clearing the air over his links to Mr Blagojevich.

Mr Burris has denied having any improper relationship with Mr Blagojevich. Reports today, however, highlighted how he had held a fundraiser for the governor at his home three years ago and, together with his lobbying firm, donated $22,295 to Mr Blagojevich's campaign.

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