Blair urges Slovak 'yes' vote

British Prime Minister Tony Blair urged the people of Slovakia yesterday to vote for European Union membership, saying it was important they were part of the bloc as it grows larger.

"I very much hope you get a good and positive vote," Blair told Slovak Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda in London after bilateral talks. "We believe Slovakia would be a very important partner for us and for Europe in the new European Union that is taking shape."

Mr Blair thanked Mr Dzurinda for his support for the US-British war in Iraq. France and Germany steadfastly opposed military action, straining to the limit relations with London and Washington in the process.

Aides say Mr Blair sees the accession of 10 new countries to the bloc next year as a chance to tip the EU's scales of power.

French President Jacques Chirac attacked candidate nations earlier this year for signing a letter, along with Britain, Italy, Spain, Denmark and Portugal, supporting Washington's policy towards Iraq.

"This is an important vote. It's important people come out to vote," Mr Blair said.

A valid referendum needs 50 per cent turnout as well as a majority for joining the bloc if Slovakia is to become an EU member. The vote is set for May 16 and 17.

Mr Dzurinda, who ran the London marathon on Sunday in well under four hours, said he believed his people would authorise EU membership.

Mr Blair and the heads of the 14 other EU member governments gather in Athens tomorrow to watch 10 mostly former communist nations sign accession treaties to join the EU in 2004. Malta, Slovenia and Hungary have already voted to join.