Austria not to hold referendum on remaining in EU - Kern

VIENNA, June 30 (KUNA) -- Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern ruled out the possibility of his country holding a referendum on remaining in the European Union similar to the recent British vote.
Referring to Brexit, the chancellor said the polls held in this regard were marred by controversies that have nothing to do with the subject of the referendum.
The chancellor prefers, instead of referendums, relying on the views of political leaders in solving the disputes relating to EU membership, according to the Austrian national broadcaster (ORF).
Kern noted that the leaders of the 27 EU members are unanimous on the need to find practical solutions to central issues such as immigration, security, employment and development.
He expressed hope that the coming EU summit, due in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, in September, will reach a package of measures to address these issues as well as the planned reforms that could live up to the aspirations of the European citizens.
The chancellor was commenting on an earlier call by Norbert G. Hofer, the candidate of the right-wing Freedom Party for the 2016 presidential elections, for collecting signatures for holding a referendum on Austria exit from the EU. (end) amg.gb