A Desperate Plea

The French and Germans are getting desperate on this E.U. constitution issue.

PARIS, France (AP) -- The leaders of France and Germany joined forces Tuesday behind the European Union's embattled constitution, saying it will boost Europe's clout in the world if the document is adopted.

In a joint statement, President Jacques Chirac and Germany's Gerhard Schroeder said the EU text, which faces growing opposition in France, marks a "major step" in Europe's efforts to come together politically.

The two leaders, who have long worked closely together, "reaffirmed their conviction that implementation of the constitutional treaty will be an important step to confirm Europe's weight on the international scene and to reinforce its capacity to act in the service of peace and security."

The German chancellor's support came as Chirac is struggling in a bruising referendum campaign over the European constitution. Faced with growing opposition to the treaty in France, Chirac needs all the help he can get to push through its adoption in the May 29 vote that is being watched anxiously by governments across Europe.

And in the meantime, drosofans everywhere are sitting by and being entertained.