of the Republic of Ireland, Mrs. Mary McAleese, on the results of the referendum held in that Country over the Treaty of Lisbon.

Following is the text of the message from President Aníbal Cavaco Silva:

"Madam President,

At the time when the results of the referendum over the Treaty of Lisbon are known, I wish to heartily congratulate Your Excellency and the Irish People for this so relevant demonstration of the wish for the deepening of the European construction.

The entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, for which the results of the Irish referendum are a fundamental contribution, will allow the European Union to stabilize its institutional framework, strengthen its capacity for international assertion, and concentrate its effort to provide answers to the pressing challenges we are all facing.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva"