Germany expresses regret over Iceland's refusal to join the European Union

Berlin, August 31 (KUNA) -- German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle expressed regret on Monday over the Icelandic voters’ rejection of resuming accession negotiations with the European Union. In a press statement in Berlin, Westerwelle said that Iceland’s membership would have represented a major opportunity to strengthen our mutual ties, adding that the referendum result should serve as a spur for the EU to consider how to enhance its appeal, particularly by improving its economic prospects. The German minister noted that joining the EU is not a goal pursued by all countries, but affirmed that Germany continues to support the idea of northern enlargement. Iceland had previously conducted accession negotiations with the EU, which were halted amid disagreements, most notably over the fisheries issue, a key economic sector and an important part of the country’s national identity. This issue has resurfaced as one of the main arguments used by opponents of resuming the negotiations. Over the weekend, Icelanders voted against resuming EU accession talks, with 52.8 percent of participants supporting rejection and 47.2 percent favoring the resumption of talks. (End) A.N.J./A.N.D.