Why are we waiting?

My thanks to Anne Palmer for this important piece of information, obtained from Europe Direct:

…we would like to inform you that as the signature by the Heads of State and Government is foreseen for 29 October 2004, the definitive printed version of the text of the future Treaty will not be available before the beginning of 2005.

This, of course, does complicated matters. As I understand it, the numbering will be changed from the draft versions, to present a consecutive numbering scheme. Also, until we see the final version, it is not possible to confirm absolutely what the text does or does not say.

Interestingly, if the Italians are intent on ratifying the constitution before Christmas this will mean that their MPs are approving it sight unseen – just as the British parliament agreed the treaty of accession without having seen it.

And, just as a matter of interest, what did the heads of state and governments sign?