Spain gives backing to EU treaty

BBC ^ | Thursday, 19 May, 2005

[jb6]

Spain has become the seventh country to ratify the new European constitution. The Senate approved the document by an overwhelming majority, following a similar vote in the lower house and a Yes vote in a public referendum.

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said the treaty laid the ground for a more democratic EU that was closer to its citizens.

The constitution faces its biggest hurdle when France holds a referendum on 29 May.

Latest polls give No voters a slight lead. The constitution needs the approval of all 25 EU member states, by referendum or act of parliament, for it to come into effect.

In Spain's non-binding referendum in February, 77% of Spaniards taking part voted in favour - though the turnout was only around 40%.

Identity

The Senate backed the treaty with 225 in favour and six against, with one abstention.

"I'm convinced that every region, municipality and every Spaniard can identify with this constitutional text," said Mr Zapatero.

"It means making Europe ours. No flag, no symbol of identity, not even the most dearest, is incompatible with Europe."

Former French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing has strongly defended the EU constitution that he created.

On Thursday, he said it could not be renegotiated if the French rejected it in their referendum.

He said the ratifications of the treaty across Europe, including the UK's own planned plebiscite, would continue, even in the face of a French No.

[jb6]

Bump to Lukasz is out trying to get his critics banned again.

[jb6]

It's funny that for some one who accuses others of being provocateur and manipulator, its amazing just on how many threads dealing with Russia you are on, spreading your propaganda while screaming at anyone with opposing views as being provocators and propagandists. Funny how that works out isn't it? Latest posts:

[jb6]

Calling me a stalinest pig, the voice of moscow, etc yeah, sure, you never start it, just like post 5 on CES may be formed without Ukraine – Nazarbayev where I never even said a word to you. But why stop yourself while you're on a roll?

[Lukasz]

Haha I’m just defending Tailgunner and I even didn’t ping the admin. You should stop provoking other Freepers. I don’t remember if Taigunner was even suspended but you were suspended at least twice, because you represent so low level...

[Tailgunner Joe]

jb6 called me a hypocrite for supporting Yushchenko since he wants Ukraine to join the EU, but Putin also wants Ukraine in the EU! Does jb6 condemn Putin for this? Of course not! He defends Putin for the exact same things he condemns Yushchenko for! Does this make jb6 a hypocrite?