 |
Front pages of Irish newspapers in Dublin after the referendum.
|
|
|
BRUSSELS (EJP)---The Rabbinical Centre of Europe (RCE) says it regrets the rejection of the European Union's Lisbon Treaty by Ireland and urges the EU leaders to deal with the consequences of the democratic choice of the Irish people.
Voters in Ireland rejected Thursday the EU’s Reform Treaty in a referendum by 53.4% to 46.6%, a much wider margin than had been expected, plunging the EU into a new crisis and setting the scene for a tense EU summit meeting in Brussels on June 19-20.
In a press release, the Brussels-based Rabbinical Centre of Europe (RCE) offered its full support to EU leaders to asses the result of the vote at the European Council meeting next week “with wisdom and understanding, while proceeding with the ratification process in the remaining EU Member States.”
“Vetoing the treaty disappoints religious minorities and fuddles the construction of a strong Europe, united in diversity,” it said.
“600 Rabbis of Europe urge the EU Leaders to deal with the consequences of the democratic choice of the Irish people and to dialogue with transparency with EU citizens on the benefits of this simplified Treaty.”
“The RCE remains committed to work together with the EU Institutions and Member States to face these challenges and to progress in the building of a consolidated Europe Union respecting each individual’s conviction.”
The Centre added: The Lisbon Treaty, which in article 16C calls upon the Union to “respect and maintain” an open, transparent and regular dialogue with churches and religious associations, “would also upgrade the current status of EU Institutions’ relations with faith communities.
Related story
