EU treaty blow

Polish President Lech Kaczynski compounded the problems facing the European Union on the first day of France's presidency of the bloc, saying he will not sign the EU's reform treaty.

Kaczynski said it would be "pointless" signing the treaty following its rejection by Irish voters.

The treaty, intended to overhaul the bloc's institutions, needs the backing of all 27 member states. Kaczynski, a Eurosceptic, helped negotiate the treaty but his party is now in opposition.