Merkel not giving up hope on Lisbon Treaty: interview

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

BERLIN (AFP) — German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday she was "confident" about the future of the EU's Lisbon Treat despite its rejection in Ireland and the Polish president's refusal to sign.

"I remain confident. I believe it is important that we map the way forward with our Irish partners in a comradely manner," Merkel told N-24 television in her traditional summer interview.

"The current contractual basis of the European Union is not one which allows us to work in an optimal manner and that is why we have a new contract, which in my opinion is and should remain the Lisbon Treaty."

Merkel has not faltered in her support for the reform treaty since it was rejected by Irish voters in a referendum last month, plunging the bloc into crisis as the text...