Czech go-slow
The presidents and prime ministers of the European Union dined on Slovenian-inspired delicacies such as trout with pumpkin foam, lamb "Idrija" style and Kefir pudding with Teran liqueur and red berries.
I am itching to find out what the Irish prime minister told them, but as yet nobody is talking. Indeed I am not sure they've quite got round to the coffee.
It has been decided that the Irish have four months to report back: but it isn't clear if that is a deadline or merely a staging point. The Czechs are coming out strongly that it should only be the latter. The deputy prime minister, Alexandr Vondra, told the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ that he was glad the Lisbon Treaty was in a "parking lot" (being scrutinised by the constitutional court) in his country and that his message was "please don't press us".
The Czechs don't want any encouragement in the final text to continue with the process. Oh and I hope their dinner was less "imaginative" than the anchovy and salami rolls in the press room.
I’m Mark Mardell, the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's North America editor. These are my reflections on American politics, some thoughts on being a Brit living in the USA, and who knows what else? My 
Comments
or to comment.