LOC15:59
12:59 GMT
integration process
BRUSSELS, July 20 (KUNA) -- King Albert II of Belgium Wednesday expressed
concern over the ongoing political crisis in his country and warned of its
negative consequences on the integration process on Europe itself.
In his address to the nation on the occasion of Belgium's national day on
Thursday, King Albert said "I am concerned about the longest government
formation in living memory".
Elections were held in Belgium over a year ago but the country still has no
formal government due to differences over state reforms between the Flemish
and French-speaking political parties.
"Among a large sector of the population the length of the crisis has led to
incomprehension of politics that cannot provide any solutions. We should be
well aware that if this situation continues the social well-being of the
Belgians will be under attack," he warned.
King Albert referred to the leading role that Belgium has played in
European integration.
"Brussels has become the de facto European capital. Our country, with its
cultural diversity has partly been seen as a model for the European Union", he
said, and added that "our partners are now concerned and that this concern can
damage our role in Europe and even the European unification process itself".
The monarch reminded the people of the risks that threaten all Belgians as
a result of a lengthy crisis.
"I am again urging all politicians to be constructive and quickly work out
a balanced solution for our problems," he added. (end)
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