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French voters reject European Union charter
What you guys think of this vote and "NO" from France? Here is BBC views in one article:
"French voters reject EU charter
Supporters of the "No" vote celebrating in Paris
The "No" camp on both the right and the left is jubilant
French voters have overwhelmingly rejected the European Union's proposed constitution in a key referendum.
With 85% of votes counted the "No" vote stood at almost 56%, according to interior ministry figures.
The vote could deal a fatal blow to the EU constitution, which needs to be ratified by all 25 members states.
President Jacques Chirac accepted the voters' "sovereign decision", but said it created "a difficult context for the defence of our interests in Europe".
The French leader had campaigned hard for a "Yes" vote.
QUICK GUIDE
The EU constitution
In his short TV address, he said voters had registered their frustrations in the referendum.
He added 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 were announced just after voting ended at 2200 local time (2000 GMT).
Transcript: Chirac's address
UK 'must reflect on poll'
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.
Eight national referendums are still to come, including one in the Netherlands on Wednesday, where the "No" side is leading the opinion polls.
Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende called on his compatriots to approve the treaty despite France's rejection.
"There is all the more reason to say 'Yes' so that some progress can be recorded," he said.
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."
Taken from news.bbc.co.uk (Last Updated: Sunday, 29 May, 2005, 22:19 GMT 23:19 UK )
"French voters reject EU charter
Supporters of the "No" vote celebrating in Paris
The "No" camp on both the right and the left is jubilant
French voters have overwhelmingly rejected the European Union's proposed constitution in a key referendum.
With 85% of votes counted the "No" vote stood at almost 56%, according to interior ministry figures.
The vote could deal a fatal blow to the EU constitution, which needs to be ratified by all 25 members states.
President Jacques Chirac accepted the voters' "sovereign decision", but said it created "a difficult context for the defence of our interests in Europe".
The French leader had campaigned hard for a "Yes" vote.
QUICK GUIDE
The EU constitution
In his short TV address, he said voters had registered their frustrations in the referendum.
He added 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 were announced just after voting ended at 2200 local time (2000 GMT).
Transcript: Chirac's address
UK 'must reflect on poll'
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.
Eight national referendums are still to come, including one in the Netherlands on Wednesday, where the "No" side is leading the opinion polls.
Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende called on his compatriots to approve the treaty despite France's rejection.
"There is all the more reason to say 'Yes' so that some progress can be recorded," he said.
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."
Taken from news.bbc.co.uk (Last Updated: Sunday, 29 May, 2005, 22:19 GMT 23:19 UK )
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