French FM Kouchner warns Ireland over EU treaty

(PARIS) - French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner warned Monday that Ireland would pay a high price if it rejects a new European treaty in a referendum this week.

Kouchner said a 'no' vote from the Irish would be greeted with "gigantic incomprehension" from the rest of Europe.

"The first victims would be the Irish. They have benefited more than others," Kouchner told RTL radio.

European governments are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the referendum on Thursday as the latest opinion polls show the result could go either way.

Kouchner argued that the "Irish would be penalizing themselves" by rejecting the Lisbon treaty on reforming EU institutions and linked its fate to that of Ireland's buoyant economy.

"To develop their flourishing industries which are now at the heart of Europe, Europe itself must develop, along the lines of the Lisbon treaty," he said.

"Everyone is going to ratify it," Kouchner said. "It would be very, very awkward if we were not able to count on the Irish who have often counted on Europe."

All EU eyes are on Ireland, the only member state constitutionally bound to put the issue to a plebiscite. French and Dutch voters rejected the previous draft in 2005.