Cowen welcomes Czech ratification of Lisbon Treaty

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen has welcomed the decision of Czech president Vaclav Klaus to sign the Lisbon Treaty today.

It means the treaty could be in force as early as December or January when the Czech Republic completes the ratification process.

Mr Cowen said it was excellent news both for Ireland and for the European Union and said the long saga of the Lisbon Treaty is nearing a welcome end.