The European Union constitution will probably be doomed if France votes "No" by a wide margin in Sunday's referendum, but EU leaders may vow to press on with ratification in other countries, EU officials and diplomats say, Reuters reported. If the Netherlands also votes "No" on June 1, the charter would almost certainly be beyond rescue, but even then other member states may carry on the ratification process, since that is what the treaty requires them to do. But defeat in two of the EU's six founder nations would plunge the 25-nation bloc into a crisis of confidence and cause a severe political and financial shock. A French "Yes" would bring huge relief to the treaty's supporters, even if Dutch voters reject the charter three days later. If that were the scenario, the Dutch might be persuaded to vote again once other countries approve the text. A narrow French "No" might also open the possibility of a re-run, although that would be improbable in case of a "No" in both countries. A French "No" followed by a Dutch "Yes" would help keep the treaty alive but is considered unlikely. --more 2350 Local Time 2050 GMT
