Law compels Iran on nuclear pursuits

Tehran, Iran Iran’s hard-line Guardian Council on Saturday approved a law forcing Iran to develop nuclear technology including uranium enrichment – aimed at strengthening Tehran’s hand in negotiations with Europeans.

The law’s passage does not compel the government to resume uranium enrichment immediately, but it insists Iran must pursue its nuclear goals even as international pressure over its ambitions are brought to bear.

The Council’s decision was a clear challenge to European negotiators trying to persuade Iran to abandon the program, a lawmaker said.

French referendum key to Europe’s constitution

Paris Europe’s new constitution faces a make-or-break referendum in France today, when a polarized nation decides whether to boost or block a giant leap forward in a half-century of efforts to unite the continent.

After months of debate on the European Union’s first charter, getting 25 countries to agree on a roadmap for their future hangs on two simple words: “oui” and “non.”

The latest poll gave the “no” camp 52 percent and “yes” camp 48 percent, meaning the treaty could face a defeat in the nation that played a lead role in drafting it.

All 25 EU member states must ratify the constitution before it can take effect in 2006. French rejection would be the first in Europe.

Pope Benedict planning to make his pilgrimage

Bari, Italy Pope Benedict XVI is making his first pilgrimage since becoming pontiff, follow- ing the foot- steps of his predecessor by visiting this seaside Italian city today. The trip marks Benedict’s first pastoral visit in Italy since his April 19 election as the 265th leader of the Catholic Church. The city is home to the relics of St. Nicholas, the fourth-century saint who remains one of the most popular in the Catholic and Orthodox churches.

Pope John Paul II was the most-traveled pope, making 104 foreign pilgrimages and 146 pastoral visits in Italy during his 26-year papacy. Benedict has indicated he too will travel.