Berlin, May 27, SPA -- The European Union constitution cleared itsfinal legislative hurdle in Germany Friday, with the upperhouse of parliament overwhelmingly approving the charter,two days before French voters have their say on thedocument in a referendum. All but one of the country's 16 states, which arerepresented in the opposition-controlled upper house, votedin favor of the treaty _ giving the charter 66 of 69possible votes, far more than the necessary two-thirdsmajority. The eastern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomeraniaabstained because the junior partner in its governingcoalition, the ex-communist Party of Democratic Socialism,opposed the constitution. German leaders hope the vote will boost French supportersof the constitution ahead of Sunday's referendum there.Only President Horst Koehler's signature is required toformally complete ratification.--SPA1332 Local Time 1032 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/265434