Slovakia set for new constitution

The Slovak parliament has narrowly approved a series of constitutional amendments which proponents say give more recognition to the rights of minorities.

Ninety deputies voted for the change -- just enough for the required majority.

Nationalists criticised the move as an erosion of national sovereignty. A preliminary measure ratifying international agreements on human rights and freedoms, and giving them precedence over Slovak law, was approved earlier. Today's vote came as the EU commissioner dealing with prospective new members, Guenter Verheugen, wound up a visit to Slovakia.

He said the country, which was left out when the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland began negotiations to join the EU in 1998, had made up a lot of ground during the accession process and could still become a member at the same time as its neighbours.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service