Lisbon, June 6, SPA -- German Foreign Minister JoschkaFischer was consulting with Portuguese officials Monday onthe European Union's proposed constitution. Both countries' leaders have said the ratification processmust continue despite its rejection by French and Dutchvoters. Germany has ratified the charter, and Portugal plans tohold a referendum in October. Portugal is mostly in favor of integration, havingreceived billions of euros (dollars) in development aidsince joining in 1986. During his one-day visit, Fischer was due to meet withPresident Jorge Sampaio, Prime Minister Jose Socrates andForeign Minister Diogo Freitas do Amaral, according to a report of the Associated Press. Ten countries have ratified the EU constitution, most ofthem in parliamentary votes. The charter must be approvedby all 25 EU members to take effect. After the French andDutch rejections, the document faces votes in otherskeptical countries, including Denmark and Britain. Portuguese officials are also keen to enlist Germany'ssupport for their efforts to avoid a significant cut in EUaid in coming years. Fischer was scheduled to visit Washington on Tuesday andWednesday, where he was to hold talks with U.S. Secretaryof State Condoleezza Rice.--SPA1406 Local Time 1106 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/267791