Announcement by Latvia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Artis Pabriks, in relation to the French vote on the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe.

"France's 'No' to the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe should not hamper Latvia's advancement. Scepticism of the French people was to a large extent prompted by domestic policy problems and was not targeted against the idea of a strong and united Europe. 

I appeal to Latvian parliamentarians to make a wise and forward-thinking choice and say 'Yes' to both influential Latvia and strong Europe and ratify the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe. The Treaty is beneficial for Latvia and corresponds to our national interests.

During the past six months, I have been visiting the cities of Liepaja, Ventspils, Jelgava, Talsi, Bauska, Valmiera, and Limbazi and explaining to the people of Latvia the aim and essence of the Treaty. It streamlines the EU and makes it closer and better understandable for Europeans themselves; it makes the adoption of decisions more effective and small countries more influential. The goal of a united Europe has served as an "engine" for the welfare of Europeans; the various challenges that member states encountered from time to time have been successfully dealt with and the EU has continued its development.

A vote by one country cannot influence the further ratification process in the other EU member states. Nine member states have already supported the Treaty to date, representing almost half of Europe's residents. Europeans have to move forward convincingly. The Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe is due to become effective on November 1, 2006 after all the EU member states have ratified it. If two years after signing the Constitutional Treaty 4/5 of the EU member states have ratified it and one or several of the member states have experienced problems with its ratification, all the states will have to sit down at a table and seek solutions."

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