Iceland Decides Against Joining The EU
Iceland's bid to join the EU is over, the country's foreign minister told the European Commission.
"This is how democracy works," said Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, on his first overseas trip, three weeks after being appointed to the recently elected Icelandic government.
He pointed out that both parties in the new government had campaigned against EU accession.
He commented that the main purpose of the trip had been "to tell the commission that the new government has made decision to put negotiations on hold.
"We are part of Europe and want to strengthen our relationship in other ways," he added.
Speaking during a frosty press conference with reporters Stefan Fule, the Czech commissioner responsible for EU membership bids, admitted that Iceland's decision was a personal blow.
"It was not easy for me as a person (to take the decision)," said Fule. But he added: "I am also a professional and I respect without any questions and any doubt, the will of elected representative and citizens".
EUobserver.com / Political Affairs / Iceland's EU bid is over, commission told
