17/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - The intergovernmental conference (IGC) negotiating mandate on the reform of the EU is “perfectly clear and exact” and “I do not remember any previous conference which had such a carefully prepared mandate,” said Pietro Calamia in the Lettera Diplomatica of 27 June 2007 (Circolo de Studi Diplomatici Palazzetto Venezia, Via degli Astalli; 3/A-00186 Roma). The former Italian permanent representative to the European Union, who had expressed concern that the mandate for the new IGC would be too vague, paid homage to the “ability” and “tenacity” of German Chancellor Angela Merkel after the success of the June European summit. While acknowledging that some things, which “affect certainly the pro-Europeans”, had had to be given up formally in order to achieve a compromise, and thus the success, Mr Calamia felt that, given the circumstances, the verdict on the June European Council had been “positive overall”. He admitted, however, having “noted dissatisfaction” in political and federalist circles, and also within the Circle of Diplomatic Studies in Rome. Mr Calamia stressed that the IGC had to conclude “as quickly as possible” with the full cooperation of the European Parliament. While coming out in favour of any further development of the EU on a “widened base”, he felt that, at the same time, “we must reflect on how - and with whom - we can share more ambitious objectives for a united Europe”. (mg)