French voters reject EU charter

[4me2]

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=629 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=3>French voters reject EU charter

</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=416><!-- S BO --><!-- S IIMA --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=203 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> The "No" camp on both the right and the left is jubilant

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- E IIMA -->French voters have rejected the European Union's proposed constitution in Sunday's referendum, President Jacques Chirac has said.

The vote could deal a fatal blow to the constitution, which needs to be ratified by all 25 members states.

With 85% of votes counted the "No" vote stood at almost 56%, according to interior ministry figures.

Mr Chirac accepted the voters' "sovereign decision" - but said France would honour its European commitments.

In his short TV address, he added that the rejection created "a difficult context for the defence of our interests in Europe".

<!-- S IINC --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=203 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=sibtbg>QUICK GUIDE

The EU constitution

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The French leader, who had campaigned hard for a "Yes" vote, said voters had registered their frustrations in the referendum.

He announced that he would take a decision on the future of his centre-right government "in the coming days", hinting at a possible reshuffle.

Referendum season

Turnout was high - with early estimates ranging between 70% and 8O%.

There were cheers from supporters of the "No" campaign when exit polls results were announced just after voting ended at 2200 local time (2000 GMT).

<!-- S IIMA --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=203 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Jacques Chirac had staked his prestige on the referendum

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- E IIMA -->Those who rejected the treaty included Communists, various left-wing groups, dissident socialists and far-right parties.

One of the leading right-wing opponents of the treaty, Philippe de Villiers, said: "Europe has to be rebuilt. The constitution is no more."

He urged Mr Chirac either to stand down or dissolve parliament.

Foreign Minister Michel Barmier said the vote was a "real disappointment" - but urged other EU countries to go ahead with their own votes on the constitution.

So far nine countries have formally endorsed the constitutional treaty.

<!-- S IBOX --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=208 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=5></TD><TD class=sibtbg>ALREADY RATIFIED TREATY
Austria
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Lithuania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain



<!-- S ILIN -->Where EU members stand
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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- E IBOX -->Eight national referendums are still to come, including one in the Netherlands on Wednesday, where the "No" side is leading in the polls.

In the UK, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said the result raised "profound questions" about the future direction of Europe and about the ability of the EU to respond to the demands of its citizens.

The constitution was finalised last year after long and difficult negotiations among EU governments. The treaty includes the union's Charter of Fundamental Rights and establishes a foreign minister. Member states can ratify the document through a referendum or by parliamentary vote. Germany ratified it on Friday.<!-- E BO -->



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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4592243.stm

[mladen]

bah, i knew they would. I bet it will still be pushed through though

[ABCMan]

about time the french did something usefull, sadly as mladen says since when did democracy ever stop the 4th reich from doing whatever they want

[wiggi28]

at least they have the balls to stage a fight rather than the english who just accepot things and then moan about them later
the last time the english had a good rook was the poll tax riots

[The Toker]

In simple terms it appears that we always get the rough end of the stick from the European Union, so I am glad that the French didn't roll over like they did in 1914 and 1939.

If it were upto me I'd withdraw altogether. Many argue trade between Britain and Europe would suffer, codswallop I say, people buy our goods either because of price or quality, not because we are members of some Quango full of highly paid, failed, no-mark politicians.

As for a European Army ... don't make me fucking laugh ... we couldn't even jointly decide on the design of one jet fighter

[elephantsoup]

Just for historical accuracy wasnt it may 1940 that germany invaded france?


Regards

Elephantsoup

[4me2]

Just for historical accuracy wasnt it may 1940 that germany invaded france?


Regards

Elephantsoup

That yes but only after theyd already retreated after invading Germany themselves in september 1939.



http://expage.com/page/gren15


All this though has nothing to do with this topic so lets please get back on topic and stick to the issues at hand .

[DelTrotter]

the bloody french have done summat decent in their lives for once.

Sovereignty is something to be proud of and europe can still work together but all this fixed euro president shit ruling our country, telling us how many hours we can work etc.

this country wouldnt buckle as someone stated in this thread we will and hopefully when the referendum come to us we will give it a resounding NO.

NON Chirac NON

[4me2]

Wha, wha, wha, Whats going on ?

[Spennyboy]

Wha, wha, wha, Whats going on ?

buahahaha Priceless :thumbs

[Mr Olympia]

Wha, wha, wha, Whats going on ?

Uncanny likeness there...