Kucan Discusses Renewed Irish Vote on Nice Treaty in Meetings with Top Irish Officials

Dublin, 18 June - The renewed referendum on the Nice Treaty in Ireland was the focus of seperate meetings Slovene President Milan Kucan held with Irish President Mary McAleese and Prime Minister Bertie Ahern in Dublin on Tuesday. Kucan, who is finishing his two-day visit today, was assured by both officials that the stance of Ireland's government is clear, namely everything must be done to ensure the success of the referendum. However, the question that remains is what will happen if this is not the case. "I had expressed view that despite the complex nature of enlargement, the EU must find a way to stick to the enlargement roadmap even in the case of a renewed Irish referendum rejection of the Nice Treaty," Kucan told reporters following his talks with the top Irish officials.