Chancellor Merkel remains optimistic on EU constitution after Prague visit German

Chancellor Angela Merkel said that she remained optimistic that discussions could start on reviving the European constitution despite hearing deep criticisms of the treaty during a meeting with Czech officials on Friday. President Klaus, an outspoken opponent of closer EU integration, said that the document was not salvageable and should be scrapped. Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek argued that the EU Constitution should be "more readable, more understandable and more transparent" for EU citizens. The Czech Republic is one of seven EU countries which have delayed indefinitely or suspended ratification of the EU treaty.