led states approve the charter on May 27. German ratification of the charter requires approval by two thirds of each chamber but with both main parties supporting the constitution in principle, this is expected to be a formality. Schroeder's spokesman Bela Anda said in a statement, carried by Reuters, that preliminary consultations with the states in EU matters would be extended in certain areas and he said the deal cleared the way for approval of the charter to proceed according to plan. "This agreement ensures that with the ratification due from the Bundesrat on May 27, a strong signal will be sent out to France," he said. Gauweiler's drive for a referendum -- a procedure not generally allowed under the German system of government -- would have at least delayed Berlin's ratification of the charter. An opinion poll published recently showed broad support for the EU constitution in Germany. Some 47 percent of Germans back the document, compared with 20 percent who reject it, the survey for Internationale Politik magazine found. The EU charter has so far been ratified by six of the EU's 25 member states but its future is in doubt with opinion polls indicating France will reject it in a referendum due to be held on May 29. --SP 0008 Local Time 2108 GMT
