Zapatero en Berlusconi akkoord over ceremoniële ondertekening EU-grondwet in Rome (en)

Spanish prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has backed having the signing of the future EU Constitution in Rome, even though Madrid had been proposed in honour of the victims of the 11 March terrorist attacks.

Mr Zapatero, who was on his first visit to Italy yesterday since his election on 14 March said:

"Terrorism should never change political plans, alter the agenda. Even if it's something formal, symbolic", he said quoted by AP. "I believe Rome is the natural venue to sign the constitution".

Italy wants the ceremonial signature of the Constitution to take place in Rome so as to have a Constitution of Rome to replace the earlier Treaty of Rome of 1957.

After talks held with Italy's Silvio Berlusconi, Mr Zapatero reiterated Spain's commitment to reach an agreement on the EU Constitution by the end of June and to break the deadlock on the issue of voting rights.

Under Mr Zapatero's predecessor José María Aznar, Spain along with Poland scuppered a Constitution deal last December during Italy's Presidency, by rejecting a formula which would have weakened their voting power in the Council.