No referendum on EU constitution

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder says his country will not hold a referendum on the EU constitution like Britain, France and some other EU members.

Visiting Schroeder made the remarks after holding talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

He said it was a sovereign issue for both France and Britain to decide on a referendum on the EU treaty.

France decided on Wednesday to hold a referendum on the EU constitution, several months after the British government announced that Britain would let the public to decide whether to ratify the new treaty.

The EU constitution could only come into force after being ratified by the 25 EU members. If any of the EU members say "no" to the treaty in a future vote, there could be a new vote or the treaty would need renegotiating.

Source: CRI