Caceres, 11/02/2002 (Agence Europe) - French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine raised the issue of the reform of the Council, at the informal "Gymnich" Council of Caceres. Wanting to cause an initial round the table talks on the reform intended to improve the functioning of the Council, Mr. Vedrine said that he opposed the creation of an EU Council made up of deputy prime ministers, responsible, notably, for preparing European summits. Most foreign ministers agreed with him, saying that such a proposal could weaken the General Affairs Councils co-ordinating role. Several ministers, including Belgium's Louis Michel, highlighted the problems such a formula could present for coalition or co-habitation governments. The Secretary General of the Council/High Representative, Javier Solana, took note of the comments, recalling that, in Barcelona he would be presenting an initial oral report, followed by a written report for the Summit of Seville. "Work will go on", Council President Josep Piqué concluded.