EU struggles to save constitution

Why is the press talking so much about crisis and struggle in Europe, after the French and Dutch referenda? There is no such thing!

The EU continues to be managed under Nice rules, as it has for the last few years. As to moving forward, well when British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, who must be delighted that he doesn't have to cross the referendum bridge in his country, takes over the EU Presidency in July, he will cherry pick some issues that he wants and will drive those home, with or without the constitution.

The appointment of a common Foreign Policy head (Solona has been working at it already), the greater weight to the EU Parliament, and perhaps the adjustment of voting weights and the permanent Presidency, are likely to be on the agenda.

Constitution, what constitution?

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EU struggles to save constitution

Chirac wrong........again!

President Chirac has just got it wrong again, by appointing Dominique de Villepin as new Prime Minister. He is a Chirac man and the wrong candidate in these times when the French people have just given a message to the President that they want a change. He didn´t get the message.

The 'NO' won

It looks like I got it wrong on the referendum result but, given that it is a slap in the face of President Chirac and "father of the constitution" d'Estaigne, it sounds like a great result!

Referendum in France

Because of the close vote, I expect a higher than usual participation and I expect a higher vote by older French. The YES will win today.

Anyone else want to risk a prediction?

Hariri’s son tipped to win Beirut poll

Middle Eastern regal succession continues, regardless of whether the political system is monarchy or republican.

As with Syria, now Lebanon is showing that nothing has changed. Despite the vigorous denials, Egypt will show us the same approach, when President Mubarack's son finally decides to admit what we know will happen sooner or later, his annointment by the ruling party.

Democracy? What's that?

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Hariri’s son tipped to win Beirut poll

President Chirac faces his nation

Seeing Chirac on our screens yesterday, again, makes you understand why many French voters are voting NO to the EU referendum, just to give it to him.

A vote against Chirac always sounds like fun.

Extraditions from the UK to the US

Charles Clarke, the UK home secretary, has just approved the extradition to the US of 3 british bankers sought by the US authorities on Enron-related charges.

This opens up the possibility of further extraditions to the US.

As I recall, not that long ago a Anthony J. Tennant, Lord Tennant to some, was wanted for questioning related to the collusion between Sotheby´s and Christies.

I wonder whether the Lord will the next one on a plane.

Of course he is a Lord so maybe. Wait a second, he can use the bad health card. It worked for Pinochet when he was under threat of extradition from the UK to Spain............it still works for Pinochet!

Pope vows to uphold tough stance

Why would anyone be surprised that he is continuing with this policy? It was his policy in the first place, for goodness sake!

He has been head of the Vatican Inquisition for, what, 18 years?

Sounds like orthodoxy was his thing.

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Pope vows to uphold tough stance