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The Netherlands to decide on EU and Ukraine association only after referendum

The referendum is set on April 6

Foreign Minister of the Netherlands Bert Koenders EPA/PATRICK SEEGER

Foreign Minister of the Netherlands Bert Koenders

© EPA/PATRICK SEEGER

THE HAGUE, February 7. /TASS/. The Netherlands will decide on the EU and Ukraine association agreement only after the referendum, Foreign Minister of the Netherlands Bert Koenders said.

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Russia calls not to underestimate role of Dutch referendum on EU association with Ukraine

"It follows from the law if the population votes against [the agreement on association with Ukraine], then the government should reconsider its decision," Koenders said responding to the question from TASS.

"This is a consultative referendum," the Foreign Minister added.

It means that the government may put forward this issue for consideration and uphold the decision made earlier to ratify the EU - Ukraine association agreement.

"We will look at what the public thinks and decide what to do later after April 6," Koenders said. Authorities of the Netherlands favor the agreement because "it contributes to stability and development of cooperation with Ukraine in various spheres, including security, trade and border protection."

The referendum is set on April 6. It is consultative but its results may lead to serious discord in political circles if the voting is recognized as held (turnout over 30%) and if the majority of voters are against the agreement.

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