During the first months of this year, city centres across Europe reverberated to the chants of the millions who took part in what was the biggest anti war movement in history.

Amid an increasing crisis the rulers of EU countries are attempting to agree on a constitution. The proposal of this so called convention was presented on Friday 14 June. Its aim is further integration of economic policy, foreign affairs and military cooperation.

Just two weeks before Italy takes on the presidency of the European Union, its prime minister is in court to face legal charges of bribing a judge. June 2003

A RECENT opinion poll demonstrates that a significant minority of voters in Northern Ireland are sick of the sectarian parties and are looking for an alternative. Up to seventeen per cent declared their intention to vote for smaller parties outside the sectarian circus.

On the 8 July an estimated 350,000 civil servants in Brazil went on an indefinite strike against the pension ?reforms? proposed by the Lula government.

Right-wing forces backed by the Venezuelan ruling class called an ‘indefinite general strike’ in December in an all-out offensive to overthrow president Hugo Chávez and his radical populist government. TONY SAUNOIS, secretary of the Committee for a Workers’ International, reports on a country plunged into social and economic chaos.

Peruvian workers have challenged the ?state of emergency? imposed by President Toledo.

CWI analysis of recent Argentinian elections

Following its “victory” in Iraq, North American imperialism, headed by the Bush/Rumsfeld duo, wants to use its “triumph” to strengthen its dominant world position.

The newly elected PT (Workers? Party) led government of Lula in Brazil has aroused massive expectations and demands for change amongst the workers, peasants and others exploited by capitalism.