Dutch "no" sparks row with Belgium

The Dutch rejection of the European Union (EU) Constitution has sparked a diplomatic row with Belgium, Radio Netherlands reported on Saturday evening.

Belgian Foreign Minister Karel de Gucht sharply criticized the Dutch yes-campaign, pinning the blame on Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende.

In an article published on Saturday in a Belgian newspaper, De Gucht said the Dutch leader lacks any charisma, calling him a "mixture of Harry Potter and provincial decency."

The comments prompted a sharp rebuke by the Dutch cabinet, which denounced them as unacceptable.

Dutch Foreign Minister Ben Bot has summoned the Belgian ambassador for an explanation on Monday.

Source: Xinhua