THE Austrian Chancellor, Dr Franz Vranitzky, praised the draft treaty agreed at the summit as "a forward-looking, progressive document that provides a very useful basis for the Inter-Governmental Conference".
The Irish presidency had been successful and had earned the respect of other member-states, he said.
"Their achievement is especially impressive, given that in terms of population and - geographical size Ireland is not one of this world's super-powers," he added.
The Foreign Minister, Mr Wolfgang Schuessel, said the summit's success was due to the Irish presidency's clear focus on several key themes. He was especially pleased at the progress made on the fight against crime and on common policy to reduce unemployment.
Mr Schuessel praised the British Prime Minister, Mr John Major's contribution to the employment debate and urged other member-states to consider the British proposals carefully. He also welcomed the unveiling of the euro bank notes designed in Austria. He praised the role of Luxemburg's Prime Minister, Mr Jean-Claude Juncker, in helping to broker the Stability arid Growth Pact.
