Dutch PM Mark Rutte pulls out of EU summit as health Bill threatens to topple government

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte makes a speech during a national memorial for the victims of the Malaysian Airlines MH17, at the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam on Nov 10, 2014. Mr Rutte cancelled a trip to Brussels, where he was due to take part
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte makes a speech during a national memorial for the victims of the Malaysian Airlines MH17, at the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam on Nov 10, 2014. Mr Rutte cancelled a trip to Brussels, where he was due to take part in an EU summit, to deal with an escalating domestic political crisis at home. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

AMSTERDAM (REUTERS) - Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte cancelled a trip to Brussels, where he was due to take part in an EU summit, to deal with an escalating domestic political crisis at home.

Mr Rutte said in a letter to parliament on Thursday he would not attend the European Council meetings, but would try to resolve a dispute triggered by the blocking of a health Bill in the senate that is threatening to topple his coalition government.

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