MOSCOW, October 3 (RIA Novosti) - Ireland has voted "Yes" to the Lisbon Treaty setting out rules for decision-making in the European Union, officials said after the country's second nationwide referendum.
The reform treaty, signed in December 2007 to streamline decision-making following the bloc's expansion, cannot come into effect until ratified by all 27 member states. Ireland rejected the treaty 18 months ago, but the partial count from Friday's vote has shown overwhelming support.
"I am delighted for the country. It looks like a convincing win for the 'Yes' side on this occasion," Foreign Minister Micheal Martin told national media.
Campaigners for a "No" vote have already conceded defeat. The official results will be released later this afternoon.
Prime Minister Brian Cowen had urged the nation to approve the treaty, which would provide a major step toward its approval by the whole EU, ending long-running uncertainty.
Last year, Irish voters blocked the pact, amid widespread disapproval of its military neutrality, and laws on tax and abortion.
The only other EU states that have yet to ratify it are Poland and the Czech Republic. However, Ireland is the only nation constitutionally required to put the decision to a referendum.
Polish Presidential Chief of Cabinet Wladyslaw Stasiak said on Saturday that President Lech Kaczynski will ratify the treaty if Ireland votes in favor.
