Solana expresses regret over French "No"

BRUSSELS - EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana expressed his regret Monday over the French voters' decision to reject the European constitution.

"I evidently respect their choice, but I also regret it with an equal measure of sincerity," Solana said in a statement.

"Europe needs its people, but each one of us also needs her. Europe is, above all else, a venture of hope," the statement which was issued just after midnight Sunday said.

He said that consultations will start over this new situation. "The new situation arising as a result of the vote in France as well as the repercussions thereof will need to be analyzed in a calm and lucid manner."

-KUNA