Straw: Backs treaty

The translation of the new European Union constitution into Welsh is a "milestone" in the recognition of the language, Rhodri Morgan said.

Cardiff's first minister was speaking after foreign secretary Jack Straw confirmed the government would go ahead with the translation.

The move had been one of the conditions set out by Plaid Cymru in order to secure their support in the forthcoming referendum.

Straw said it was the first time any European treaty will have become available in the language. 

Cash for the translation will come from the Foreign Office, and the finished document will be published on the internet.

Morgan welcomed the move as signifying "the international recognition of the Welsh language".

"The constitutional treaty is important for Wales in very many ways," he added.

"For the first time it recognises the role of small nations like Wales that are a part of a big member state.

"It is only right and proper that the people of Wales will be able to read the whole treaty in Welsh as well.  It is a real step forward."

And Wales secretary Peter Hain, who previously held the post of Europe minister, said the constitution was "an important document for the people of Wales".

He added: "By ensuring that the draft is made widely available, we can have a well-informed debate".

"It also recognises the importance the government attaches to the Welsh language," Hain added.

The current minister for Europe, Denis MacShane, said: "The decision to translate the treaty into Welsh shows the government's commitment to inform the British public about the facts of the treaty.

"Experience has shown time and time again that the more people know about the treaty, the more they realise that it's a good deal for the UK."

A referendum on the constitution is expected early next year.

Plaid Cymru MEP Jill Evans welcomed the news.

"We're delighted that we've won this battle to get the EU constitution translated into Welsh," she said.

"This was the first step in our campaign for Welsh to be recognised as a European language and we now hope that the New Labour government in Westminster will go further and propose Welsh as an EU working language."