The Ukrainian foreign Ministry called on the Netherlands to ignore the results of the referendum

The Ukrainian foreign Ministry commented on the results of the referendum on Association of Kiev with the European Union, expressing hope that the result will not be taken into account by the government of the Netherlands. About it said the official representative of the foreign Ministry Marian Betz.

“We believe that in accordance with the Dutch legislation, the referendum is Advisory in nature and, therefore, the final decision on ratification of the Agreement after holding internal discussions and procedures will be taken by the government of the Netherlands”, — said in a statement.

Betz expressed the hope that the decision “will serve the interests of Ukraine, the Netherlands and Europe”.

Earlier, on 6 April, Prime Minister of the Netherlands mark Rutte said that the government will have to take into account the outcome of the referendum on Association of Ukraine with the European Union if he is found to have taken place.

According to preliminary data, the vast majority of voters — 61.1 per cent — opposed the Association agreement EU-Ukraine. “For” voted only 38.1 per cent, 0.8 per cent of the ballots declared invalid. The turnout was 32.2%, which makes the referendum.

6 April in the Netherlands held a referendum on Association of Ukraine and the European Union. Citizens of the Netherlands responded to the question: do they approve of the signing of the Association agreement with Ukraine. The referendum will be considered taken place if in voting will take part, 30% of citizens. The government is not obliged to follow its results in the adoption of the final decision, but should take them into account.

Today’s voting in the Netherlands is considered in the EU as a test of strength before the British referendum on leaving the EU. It is initiated by the eurosceptics, who managed to collect 300 thousand signatures. This is the first plebiscite in the Netherlands since 2005, when 62 percent of citizens voted against the European Constitution. If the eurosceptics win a convincing victory, it could affect the results of the British referendum, to be held on June 23.

At the moment the Netherlands is the only EU country that has not ratified the agreement on Association of Ukraine with the EU.

The Ukrainian leadership headed by President Petro Poroshenko calls European integration a priority of its policy. In 2014 were signed political and economic part of the Association agreement with the EU, which provide, inter alia, a free trade zone. In September it was ratified by the Verkhovna Rada. Finally the document will come into force after its ratification by the parliaments of all countries participating in the agreement. According to Poroshenko, Kyiv will apply for EU membership in 2020.
[rushincrash.com]
7/4/16
--
-
Related:

• Dutch say ‘no’ to treaty with Ukraine and 32% vote- exit poll

• Ukraine will not join EU, NATO for another 20-25 years. - Juncker

• Juncker Warns of Possible Crisis Over Dutch Referendum on Deal With Ukraine