Hungary celebrates an embarrassing result

Hungary is set to back entry into the European Union by a large majority, according to first results from Saturday's referendum. With more than 99% of ballots counted, returns showed about 84% of voters backing entry, the Hungarian Electoral Committee announced. Fireworks exploded in the night sky above the River Danube in the capital to the strains of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony - the EU anthem - as the authorities welcomed the result. Fireworks exploded in the night sky above the River Danube in the capital to the strains of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony - the EU anthem - as the authorities welcomed the result. But turnout was only about 46% suggesting many Hungarians had expressed their disapproval or fears about membership by staying away from voting stations. Prime Minister Peter Medgyessy put a brave face on the result nevertheless. The citizens of Hungary, he said in a speech in front of the Academy of Sciences, like good parents, had provided a future for their children.