RIGA, June 2 (Xinhuanet) -- Latvian parliament overwhelmingly ratified the EU constitution Thursday, one day after Dutch voters rejected it.

    In the 100-seat legislature, 71 lawmakers voted for the treaty,five against. And 24 lawmakers were abstained or absent.

    Latvia, a former Soviet republic of 2.3 million residents, was one of 10 countries that joined the EU last year.

    The EU constitution needs approval of all 25 members nations to take effect in 2006. Latvia becomes the 10th to ratify it. So far, the Netherlands and France have rejected it. Enditem