Brussels, 11/05/2009 (Agence Europe) - The new Icelandic government (left-wing coalition composed of Social Democrats and Left-Greens) hopes to launch the process for Iceland's membership of the EU as soon as possible. Presenting her general political declaration on 10 May, Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir said she hoped the request for membership would be sent to Brussels “by the month of July”. The Icelandic parliament (where government parties have a slim majority) will in coming days have a draft resolution referred to them approving the decision to request accession, she said. Once accession talks are complete, the public will be called upon to give its stance on accession through referendum. The government itself is divided on the matter (Social Democrats under the prime minster are in favour, the members of the Greens/Left are against). Both parties in power assume their differences on the European issue but stress their joint resolve that it should be the nation which, at the end of the day, decides by referendum whether Iceland should join the EU, it is stipulated in the government declaration. The prime minister considers there will be a majority in parliament in favour of opening accession talks, due partly to the support given by members of two other pro-European (opposition) parties - the Citizens' Movement and the Progressive party. (H.B./transl.jl)