EU European Union leaders signed a first-ever constitution for the expanding bloc, in a landmark ceremony on the spot where its forerunner was founded nearly half a century ago. Mideast Ailing Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat was en route by plane to a French military hospital outside Paris for urgent medical treatment of what is said to be a potentially fatal blood disorder. Mideast The Israeli government appeared divided over whether Yasser Arafat should be allowed to return to the West Bank after the veteran Palestinian leader was flown to Paris for life-saving treatment. Iraq Iraqi forensic experts say the body of an Asian man found in Iraq does not resemble a Japanese hostage, as a government-backed team of negotiators prepares to make a last-ditch bid to avert a military assault on rebel-held Fallujah. Ukraine Ukraine's opposition voiced confidence heading into a weekend presidential election, expected to see the former Soviet republic either move closer to an increasingly authoritarian Russia or seek safety in the European Union. Colombia President Alvaro Uribe said he was ready to negotiate a prisoner swap with the country's largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Pakistan The Pakistan government insisted that an electrical short circuit and not a terrorist bombing was the most likely cause of a powerful explosion at the luxury Marriott hotel in Islamabad. Iran Influential former president Hashemi Rafsanjani said that Iran would continue talks with Europe over its nuclear activities but reject any threats aimed at depriving the country of peaceful nuclear technology. US Republican claims that about 1,000 ineligible voters have cast or plan to cast ballots added to the mounting controversy that has brought thousands of lawyers to Florida ahead of Tuesday's US presidential election. Cambodia-king-coronation-oath PHNOM PENH: Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni, the 51-year-old son of former king Norodom Sihanouk, formally took his oath as monarch in a ceremony broadcast on national television. Greece A roadside bomb exploded in downtown Athens as two riot police buses with around 35 officers were driving by, causing no damage or casualties, police said. Botswana Pop stars and choirs were joining candidates for rallies in one of Africa's most stable countries, Botswana, a day ahead of voting that is expected to see the party in power since independence in 1966 win victory and set in motion a leadership change.