EU: What's on the Horizon?

[LostInSpace]

Hmm, I must profess some ignorance in this aspect.

PARIS, France -- Overseas voters cast their ballots on Saturday in France's crucial referendum on the European Union's constitution, with the "No" camp holding its lead in the final opinion polls.

LONDON, England -- Several European countries said they would proceed with their own referendums on the EU constitution despite France's rejection, while Britain called for a period of "reflection" before deciding whether to press ahead with a vote.

quote:

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Ireland said it very much regretted the French decision but that it would proceed with its own referendum by a target date of November 2006.

Portuguese Foreign Minister Diogo Freitas do Amaral said his country also would go ahead with a planned October referendum.

Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, however, said the French vote would not affect Ankara's plans to begin long-delayed EU entry talks in October.

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Okay here's my question: How can this go ahead if France and possibly the Dutch are not on board with the ratification. The rest of these countries are basically telling France (at this point) we understand your position but this process will go along with or without your support . Which begs another question, if the ratification is done, will France be made to support it then?