27/02/2008

Ahern Defies Russia And Serbia Over Kosovo

Speaking in Vienna today, the Irish Taoiseach has told the Organisation for Security and Co-operation (OSCE) in Europe that it is not an expression of hostility to recognise Kosovo as a state.

Today’s statement indicated Mr Ahern’s position on the matter - due to be decided soon - on recognition of Kosovo - favouring the US and France's position - despite Russia and Serbia's vehement opposition to Kosovo receiving such formal recognition.

Mr Ahern also spoke of the Lisbon Treaty saying it would enable the EU to continue and enhance its peace keeping role on the world stage.

He also said he would be working hard at home to secure a 'Yes' vote in the coming referendum for the treaty, suggesting the 'No' camp were resorting to scaremongering and “nonsense arguments”.

The Cabinet recently approved the wording for the Lisbon Treaty referendum. An outline detailing the treaty is expected to be published early next week.

He said he looked forward to the people giving a strong endorsement to the EU treaty, which has received much early criticism from opposition parties in the Dail.

On more domestic affairs, Mr Ahern spoke of the departure of Mr Ian Paisley jnr, and the new appointment of Jeffery Donaldson as a junior minister. He also said, that despite the departure of Paisley jnr, he hoped the First Minister, Dr Paisley, would be around for some time to come.

See Taoiseach Begins European Visit

(DW)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

05 November 2007
Dana Opposes European Treaty
Derry’s own Eurovision winner and former MEP has spoken out about the new European Treaty. Although no longer active in politics, having most recently stood unsuccessfully for Irish president, she has said that Irish people should not allow faceless Eurocrats to shape their future.
08 September 2009
Councillors Oppose Lisbon Treaty
A coalition of 135 town and county councillors has joined forces in opposition of the Lisbon Treaty. The group includes Socialist Party councillors, members of the Labour Party, the People Before Profit alliance, the Workers Unemployed South Tipperary Action Group and several Independents.
21 October 2008
Committee Seeks Answers From Microsoft Chief Over Lisbon
The Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland will be among witnesses appearing before the Oireachtas Sub-committee on the fall-out from the Lisbon Treaty. The Committee will be questioning Mr Paul Rellis on the implications for businesses in Ireland following the rejection of the Lisbon referendum.
01 October 2008
Mini EC 'Summit' For Cowen
Speculation over a Lisbon Treaty vote re-run in Ireland is likely to intensify this week with news that Taoiseach Brian Cowen and French President Nicolas Sarkozy are meeting in Paris today.
23 June 2008
Pope Visit In Time For 'Yes' Vote?
Sunday’s announcement that Dublin will host the 50th international Eucharistic Congress in 2012 has sparked renewed speculation of a papal visit next year.