Liberals and Democrats welcome Slovenian ratification of Lisbon Treaty

7.00.00pm GMT Tue 29th Jan 2008

Andrew DUFF (UK, Lib Dem), spokesman on constitutional affairs of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, has welcomed the ratification today by Slovenia of the Treaty of Lisbon.

"It is encouraging that the Presidency-in-office of the Council has succeeded in early ratification of the Treaty. The overwhelming vote of support by 74 votes to 6 gives a clear lead to other parliaments.

"The Slovenian parliament was also right to reject a referendum by 56 votes to 3.

"Slovenia has shown how new member states can contribute to the ongoing momentum of the European Union, putting to shame older and richer member states which show less confidence."

Jelko KACIN (LDS, Slovenia) also added his congratulations:

"Slovenia is leading by example. This result sends a clear and eloquent message both to other EU Member States and to future candidate countries that we are laying the foundations for future widening and deepening of the Union."

Editors' Note:

Andrew Duff's new pamphlet, 'True Guide to the Treaty of Lisbon', is today published in Slovenian as 'Pravi vodnik po Lizbonski pogodbi'. It can be downloaded from www.andrewduff.eu or www.zares.si/zares-za-boljso-obvescenost-o-lizbonski-pogodbi/#more-659.