Lisbon may eventually take effect - reluctant Klaus in press

Klaus repeated that he did not consider it good for Europe or the Czech Republic.

"However, the train with it has been set into motion so fast and has gone so far that it will be probably impossible to stop or return it although many may wish it," Klaus said.

"However, even if it eventually took effect, it would not mean the end of history," Klaus said.

The Czech Republic is the last EU country not to have ratified the Lisbon treaty, although it was passed by parliament and the government.

Klaus announced last Friday that he demands an opt-out for Czechs from the EU charter on rights because he believes it might open doors to possible property claims by Sudeten Germans whose property was confiscated after World War Two.

The Czech government of Jan Fischer indicated that it is willing to negotiate about Klaus's demand with other EU members, but it pointed out that the ratification process cannot be reopened.

Besides, a group of senators has lodged a complaint with the Constitutional Court against the treaty, claiming it is at variance with the constitution.

The court will start dealing with the case on October 27.

The EU summit that will discuss Klaus's demand will take place on October 29-30.

Klaus said today for the first time he would not demand that the opt-out for the Czech Republic be ratified by all EU members.

He said he would make do with the "Irish road."

"I have never said that my, as you say, addendum, should be ratified again by all EU countries along with the whole Lisbon treaty," Klaus said.

"Similarly, I have never said that I would not be satisfied with similar guarantees that were given by the European Council to the Irish," he added.

Author: ČTK
www.ctk.cz