Brussels, 30/05/2003 (Agence Europe) - British Liberal Democrat Andrew Duff reacted immediately after the publication of the draft preamble proposed by the Praesidium for the future Constitution, saying that "the Praesidium has done a reasonable job". But, added Mr Duff, "the draft is far too flowery for my taste". He continues: "though I have the greatest respect for Thucydides, he cannot be considered as the epitome of European civilisation. Furthermore, is it correct to credit Europe as the birthplace of civilisation? Surely the Chinese, Egyptians, Persians and others would disagree. Europe 'reunited' is a strange phrase misleading the reader to believe that is was once united". As for the final "self-congratulatory" sentence, Mr Duff found it "absurd", as it is not self-evident that the citizens will be grateful to the Convention for a job of work on which much still remains to be done.