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Czech lawmakers to resume debating Lisbon Treaty, vote possible

Other News Materials 17 February 2009 23:16 (UTC +04:00)

Czech parliament's lower house is set to resume debating the European Union's stalled reform pact, the Lisbon Treaty, at 6 pm (1700 GMT) on Tuesday and possibly vote on the pact, local reports said, citing lawmakers, dpa reported.

The Czech Republic is the last member state yet to vote on the accord, which passed parliaments in 25 countries but was rejected by Irish voters in a June 2008 referendum.

If adopted, the treaty would overhaul EU institutions with the aim to streamline decision-making in the enlarged 27-member bloc.

The Czech lower house delayed the Lisbon Treaty vote twice since taking it up in December. The treaty also requires upper house and presidential approval.

Czech President Vaclav Klaus, a treaty opponent, said earlier that he would sign it only after Ireland overturns its No vote.

Anti-Lisbon senators may further delay the ratification process by putting the treaty under a court review.

The ratification process has not been completed in Germany and Poland, whose presidents are yet to ink the pact

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