Minister Roche Welcomes Yes Vote in Vilnius
12/05/2003
Minister for European Affairs Dick Roche has wholeheartedly welcomed the Yes vote by the Lithuanian people in their referendum on EU membership over the weekend.
Minister Roche said, “This positive result by the Lithuanian people is another major step towards the historic enlargement of the EU. Lithuania is a country with which we have growing business and political links, and I look forward to seeing these now expanding as we work together in an enlarged EU.
Lithuania is the fourth candidate country to vote in favour of joining the EU. These countries have taken the lead from the Irish people when we voted YES to Nice and pledged to work together to promote peace and prosperity in Europe.
I am now looking forward to the decision of the Slovakian people when they go to the polls next weekend
