I don't want to pass a punitive law, or use politics as a vendetta.

We have to give ourselves a constitution which marks the birth of Europe as a political entity.

I am not a newcomer, you know, so I want to be judged for what I did when I was prime minister last time in Italy and president of the European Commission for more than five years.

Moreover, resolving the mother of all problems - the Israeli-Palestinian question - requires cooperation between Europe and the U.S.

I don't want to pass a punitive law, or use politics as a vendetta.

We are involved in a constitution-building process of historic importance. The Convention should mark a new stage in European integration.

But Italy can only have any real influence on world affairs if it carries weight in Europe.