Austria rejects the Czech treaty bid

Vienna. ÖVP Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger has rejected any changes in the EU’s Lisbon Treaty to satisfy Czech President Vaclav Klaus.

Alexander Schallenberg, a spokesman for the People’s Party foreign min- ister, said: "We want clar- ification of what Klaus really wants and of whether his position is that of the Czech government.”

Schallenberg ruled out any changes in the treaty, saying: "The treaty will not be changed as 27 countries have accepted it.”

Any change, he added, would have to be approved by all 27 EU member states, including holding another referendum in Ireland.

Klaus must sign the Czech instrument of ratification in order for the Czech Republic to ratify it. It is the only EU member state that has not formally ratified the treaty. The issue is expected to be discussed at the EU summit on 29 and 30 October in Brussels.

Meanwhile Spindelegger praised Ireland’s "yes” vote in a second referendum this month, saying: "This is a clear sign of confidence in Europe. During a global economic crisis, people appreciate the ‘protective coat function’ of the EU and get a feeling of what the EU is worth.” Spindelegger added: "I hope that after this encouraging Irish vote it won’t take long until the treaty’s entry into force.”

Printausgabe vom 13.10.2009

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