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Journalism of Courage
European Union leaders signed the bloc’s first constitution at a glittering ceremony on Friday but celebrations were marred by uncertainty over ratification and political turmoil over the stalled European Commission.
The leaders used private talks on the sidelines to discuss a stand-off with the European Parliament that has blocked the entry into office of a new EU executive.
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder played down talk of a political crisis, saying he expected a revamped Commission would be approved within a couple of weeks. ‘‘We can rejoice at this historic day, even if there are one or two shadows over it,’’ he said.
