French far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen has launched an attack on the EU constitution, saying a "yes" vote in the upcoming referendum would go against France's interests.

　　Speaking in Strasbourg ahead of a meeting of his National Front party on Saturday, Le Pen said the constitution is an attempt to create a superstate at the expense of countries' identities, and called on leading EU countries to reject the charter.

　　"We're against the constitution out of principle," he said. "The European Union is an instrument of destruction of nations. It's an organization of disorganization. We think that even in the 21st century, a nation remains the most effective guardian of prosperity, identity, freedom and security.

　　"We're in favor of cooperation between European nations, but on a different basis."

　　Five polls in March indicated the French are leaning toward rejecting the constitution in a referendum on May 29. A 'no' vote in France, a founding member of the newly expanded bloc, would stop the constitution in its tracks, as the document needs unanimous approval by the EU's 25 member states.

　　The president, prime minister, government and main opposition party have urged voters to approve the EU document, with Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin arguing that France's future lies within a Europe that is unified economically, politically and socially.

　　Le Pen's National Front have exploited fears of a rising tide of immigrants and refugees to urge rejection of the constitution.

　　(The Associated Press)