French FM calls 'no" to EU constitution a 'disappointment'

PARIS - French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier said Sunday that the country's rejection of the EU constitution in a national referendum was "a real disappointment".
"This is an ordeal, a real disappointment," Barnier said on TF1 national television shortly after the release of exit polls showing a massive defeat of the landmark EU charter at the ballot box.
"This is an ordeal for our country because it will be harder for our country to defend its interests," said the foreign minister.
"I know that across Europe, this decision will give rise to a lot of incomprehension and disappointment, but there is a need to rally behind the president," he added.
Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie called the result on France 2 television a "defeat for France, a defeat for Europe."

05/29/2005 20:17 GMT