President wants Cyprus to ratify EU constitution

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos has called on the national parliament to continue with its plans to ratify the EU constitution on June 30th, despite postponement or rejection by 11 EU members.

EU leaders agreed on the first day of their Brussels summit yesterday to extend the November 2006 deadline for ratification, calling for a “period of reflection”.

Portugal became the latest to postpone a referendum, after Denmark, Ireland and the Czech Republic had already postoned theirs and the UK had delayed submitting legislation on the referendum due in early 2006.

Sweden and Finland also announced plans to delay ratification of the constitution via parliament, while Germany’s President has put off signature pending a Supreme Court challenge.

Replying to questions, Papadopoulos said Nicosia supports clearly and categorically the continuation of the process of ratification, adding that the House of Representatives will discuss the matter on 29 and 30 June.

“I hope the House will ratify the Constitution,” he said.