EU enlargement supported by Cowen

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Brian Cowen has re-emphasised Ireland’s commitment to the enlargement of the European Union, despite the rejection of the Nice Treaty by the Irish electorate.

Mr Cowen was speaking in Prague after meeting with the President of the Czech Republic, one of the countries seeking to join the EU.

Minister Cowen said that Irish opinion remains supportive of the process and that the rejection of the treaty does not mean that Irish people are against enlargement.

He said that the Irish Government remains fully committed to furthering enlargement negotiations with applicant countries inside the given deadline.