Schuessel proposes EU-wide referendum on constitution

More has to be done for a final compromise to be reached on the EU constitution by June, Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel said yesterday.

The Union, he said, should concentrate on the substance of the constitution, then on the ratification by the parliaments of the different member states and then on national referenda in the countries which were holding them.

Speaking during a joint news conference with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Mr Schuessel said he believed that one way of avoiding national referenda, which would be adding pressure on the process, but which had to be held according to the Constitution of some countries, was to have a Europe-wide referendum.

Dr Gonzi said that Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern would be visiting Malta in the coming days as part of his mission to visit all member states to discuss outstanding issues.

Mr Schuessel is in Malta for a few days on an official/private visit. Yesterday's news conference was held following the signing of an agreement between Malta and Austria on the representation of Malta by Austrian consular authorities in granting visas for transit and short stays.

Within the framework of this agreement, Austria will represent Malta in granting visas for transit and short stays in Malta.

Dr Gonzi said his talks with Mr Schuessel centred on the reunification of Europe on May 1.

"The soul of Europe is coming together," Dr Gonzi said Mr Schuessel had told him.

The two discussed the implications of membership, the forthcoming intergovernmental conference and the two countries' position on the EU constitution.

Mr Schuessel said Malta and Austria were like-minded countries working for the same aims. The two believed in equality of states and not in a far away Brussels which was alienated from the needs of the population.

Dr Gonzi said he and Mr Schuessel also discussed the possibilities of extending bilateral relations. There was a strong Austrian presence in the banking sector in Malta and an Austrian company was involved in the running of Malta's airport.

Malta's potential as a base for the development of business opportunities in north African countries was also discussed.

Mr Schuessel said that, given its strategic location, Malta could better explain to the EU the situation in north African countries bringing in a new dimension.

Dr Gonzi and Mr Schuessel discussed the situation in the Mediterranean and the possible way forward for more stability in the region.

Mr Schuessel said the real idea behind the EU was that there would never again be war and hatred between nations but there would be peace, common understanding and one united Europe.