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"If this is the outcome, we will have to consider this advice carefully. It implies a political fact that ratification cannot just proceed. But the majority of the people that cast their ballot, have voted against," Rutte said in a statement on April 6.

Read alsoUPDATE: Dutch referendum says No with 61.1%, turnout 32.2%: preliminary count over"We'll need to follow a step by step approach. The first step will now be to get more clarity on the outcome, after which the cabinet will deliberate and enter into a discussion with parliament, as well as with our European partners and Ukraine. This will process will take time, not just days, probably weeks," he said.