Nod for EU was expected but support for Nato had been uncertain because of Iraq crisis
Published:
25 March 2003 y., Tuesday
Slovenians have voted to join both Nato and the European Union (EU) in a legally binding twin referendum.
Nato won 66 per cent support, better than expected amid doubts over the Iraq crisis, and EU membership was favoured by 90 per cent of voters, according to preliminary results with more than 99 per cent of ballots counted. The turnout was 60 per cent.
Both the EU and Nato welcomed the news, which comes at a time of divisions over Iraq between pro-US and anti-war camps that have left both sides in disarray.
'I welcome the vote of confidence Slovenians have given Nato, and also their willingness to accept the obligations of membership,' said Nato Secretary-General George Robertson.
EU accession had been widely tipped for approval, but support for joining the North Atlantic military alliance remained uncertain until the end, as voters wavered between dislike of the war against Iraq and renewed fears of Balkan instability after the assassination of Serbia's prime minister.
Nato hopes to conclude membership negotiations with Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia tomorrow with the signing of accession protocols. All are expected to become members in May next year.
Šaltinis:
straitstimes.asia1.com.sg
Copying, publishing, announcing any information from the News.lt portal without written permission of News.lt editorial office is prohibited.
The most popular articles
The Champs Elysees rings in the holiday season with a festive lighting display.
more »
Westminster Abbey is confirmed as the venue for the wedding of Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29, 2011.
more »
15,000 pilgrams flock to see official unveiling of the world's tallest statue of Jesus in Poland.
more »
Muslims in Bangladesh go to market to buy livestock to slaughter for the approaching holy Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha.
more »
Ten–year strategy for people with disabilities so they can take part in all aspects of daily life across the EU.
more »
Ahead of the Africa-EU Summit taking place from 29-30 November in Libya, the Commission presents today its proposals for a consolidation of the Africa-EU relations.
more »
Average CO2 emissions from new cars sold in the EU dropped by 5% last year, the biggest annual fall ever recorded, a report published today by the European Commission shows.
more »
Baby koala fights for her life in Australia after being injured by shotgun fire.
more »
Plans to give consumers more control over how personal information is collected and used.
more »
A severe drought pushes river levels in Brazil's Amazon region to record lows, isolating communities and strangling vital boat transport links.
more »