Brussels, 29/07/2008 (Agence Europe) - The Luxembourg prime minister, Jean-Claude Juncker, does not think that the Lisbon Treaty, rejected by the Irish on 12 June last, can enter into force in time for the June 2009 European elections. In an interview with the Austrian newspaper, Kurier, on 26 July, Mr Juncker affirmed that, “my interpretation of the situation tells me that the Lisbon Treaty will not be in force by the time of the European elections in the middle of 2009”. Mr Juncker expressed his fear that, “the Irish people might consider a second referendum in spring 2009 as an unwelcome manoeuvre” to impose the treaty on them. The Head of the Luxembourg government does not expect the European Council to be able to find a solution to the Irish problem before the end of this year. Mr Juncker emphasised that, “at best, we will be able to see more clearly in December. It is up to the French presidency to clarify under what conditions the Irish would be able to vote again”. What would the EU be able to offer the Irish so that they are able to agree to a second referendum? Mr Juncker firstly pointed out that, “ the Lisbon Treaty already contains the answers to all the concerns that led to an Irish 'no' vote”. Nonetheless, Mr Juncker does believe it possible that a unanimous “decision” at the European Council would confirm the fact that the new treaty does not affect Ireland's neutrality or Irish legislation on taxation and abortion. Mr Juncker affirmed that, “an additional declaration ought to make the treaty more understandable to the Irish” but he is categorically ruling out any renegotiation of the treaty. (H.B./trans/rh)