Final Results:  Ireland Voters Back EU Treaty

Irish voters have approved the European Union's Lisbon Treaty, in a repeat referendum on the issue.

Election officials announced Saturday that more than 67 percent of voters supported the treaty in Friday's vote.

Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen welcomed what he called a "resounding yes" to the treaty, which is aimed at streamlining the decision making in the 27-nation bloc. Cowen called the vote a good day for Ireland and for Europe.

EU leaders also welcomed the results.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said he sees the "yes" vote as a sign of confidence in the European Union and the role it has played in responding to the economic crisis.

Irish voters rejected the treaty in a first referendum last year, because of fears Ireland could lose sovereignty on issues such as abortion and military neutrality.

Friday's second vote was held after EU leaders reaffirmed Ireland's control over those issues.

The treaty is a modified version of a proposed EU constitution that failed when French and Dutch voters rejected it in 2005.

All 27 EU members must ratify the treaty before it can take effect. Ireland is the only EU member constitutionally required to subject the agreement to a national popular vote.

In addition to Ireland, Poland and the Czech Republic have not yet completed the ratification process.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.