Dutch 'no' on Ukraine pact would force rethink, minister says

Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders reacts during a news conference in Havana, May 7, 2015. REUTERS/Stringer

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The Dutch government would be obliged to reconsider its position on an EU pact establishing closer ties with Ukraine if it loses an upcoming referendum on the issue, the country's foreign minister said, but he stopped short of saying a "no" vote would scupper the treaty.

The referendum is not binding, but most Dutch parties have said they would respect a rejection by voters, which could plunge the European Union into crisis when tensions with Russia run higher than at any time since the Cold War.