Chirac: French Reject EU Constitution

AP is reporting that Chirac has stated that France has rejected the EU constitution. This will have serious ramifications for the EU. The Dutch are set to vote on Wednesday.

"PARIS (AP) - French voters rejected the European Union's first constitution Sunday, President Jacques Chirac said - a stinging repudiation of his leadership and the ambitious, decades-long effort to further unite the continent.

Chirac, who urged voters to approve the charter, announced the result in a short televised address. He said the process of ratifying the treaty would continue in other EU countries.

"France has expressed itself democratically," Chirac said. "It is your sovereign decision, and I take note."

Earlier, the Interior Ministry said that with about 83 percent of the votes counted, the referendum was rejected by 57.26 percent of voters. It was supported by 42.74 percent."

This is a major defeat for Chirac and possibly the EU. Chirac is on the record as stating he would ignore a no vote. I will have more as soon as details become available. - Sailor