Polish treaty with Vatican set to go through

The Polish parliament has ratified a controversial treaty setting out Poland's relationship with the Vatican.

The treaty, or concordat, was signed more than four years ago but subsequent left-wing governments refused to ratify it.

They argued that it gave the Church too great a say in the affairs of the state.

However, since last September's elections a new centre-right administration has been in office.

Among other things, the treaty makes church marriages legally binding and provides for religious classes in kindergartens.

PresidentAleksander Kwasniewski, whose party opposed the agreement, has said he will not withhold his approval.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service