Poland digs in heels over Berlin declaration

The document is to be signed within three days, however, negotiations on its final shape might be conducted right up to the very last moment as Poland refuses to approve a stipulation about the necessity of adopting the EU constitution. Germany is now looking for a way to mark 2009 as the final date for carrying out an institutional reform in the EU without mentioning the constitution. Rzeczpospolita has unofficially learned that Poland may dig its heels in at the end of negotiation as it is disappointed with Germany and France's refusal to approve a reference to the Christian roots of Europe. "We do not understand this stance. Especially bearing in mind that Germany presides over the EU and have 'their' Pope," said a highly ranked politician. (Rzeczpospolita, pp. A1, A9) M.M.