21/01/2003 (Agence Europe) - Vice-Chairman of the European Convention Giuliano Amato recognised after work by the members of the European Convention belonging to the Party of European Socialists, last week in Florence, that the differences of opinion expressed were "difficult to overcome". There was divergence over European prospects for security and defence (mainly from those representing neutral or non-aligned countries). The Franco-German proposal on a European Council President elected to hold full-time office did not win unanimous support either. Mr Amato said in this respect that some think such a person would end up "on the same track as the Commission President which, in general, causes accidents" (see also yesterday's EUROPE, p.5). On the other hand, Mr Amato noted the agreement between Socialists on the need to strengthen coordination of economic and social policies.