EU reaches agreement on constitution

The European Union (EU) summit meeting reached agreement here Friday evening on the first constitution of the bloc.

The agreement was finally reached after some member states madeconcessions, diplomatic sources said.

Member states have had bitter disputes over articles concerningpower-sharing, sovereignty and status of religion in the draft.

The leaders are expected to review the final text before reconvening to adopt it later in the day.

The treaty is designed to replace the basic treaties of the EU and to ensure effective, smooth running of the EU after its biggest-ever enlargement on May 1.

Source: Xinhua