Reykjavik: The 'yes' camp in Iceland's referendum on starting accession talks with the European Union held a slim lead early on Sunday, partial results showed according to the RUV broadcaster.Some 51.2% of voters supported the government's proposal to restart negotiations, while 48.8% said no, RUV said, based on some 87,000 votes counted. 270,000 people are eligible to vote in Iceland but there was not information available on turnout.A 'yes' vote would be welcomed in Brussels, as some officials cast Iceland as a low-risk case that could help ease scepticism toward EU enlargement, while its strategic position adds appeal at a time of growing focus on Arctic security.
Iceland edges towards EU membership talks as ‘yes’ camp leads in partial count
Partial results from Iceland's referendum show a slim lead for the 'yes' camp. Voters are deciding on whether to restart accession talks with the European Union. Some 51.2% supported the government's proposal, while 48.8% opposed it. A 'yes' vote would be welcomed in Brussels as a low-risk case. Iceland's strategic position also adds appeal amid growing Arctic security focus.
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