God back in EU debate

God was back in the debate on the draft EU constitution yesterday as several states renewed demands to make a reference to Europe's Christian roots.

Predominantly Roman Catholic Ireland and Poland as well as Italy and Spain have long sided with the Vatican in demanding a reference to God, or at least Christian values, in the charter, against strong opposition from secular France.

The issue was raised again by Italy and Poland at a meeting of European Union foreign ministers on the constitution, which the 25-member bloc hopes to approve in June.

"We are aware of the difficulties but we believe that a small inclusion in the text would not alter the preamble too much," Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini told reporters.

France says it is happy with the current draft of the EU constitution, which makes reference to Europe's religious - but not Christian - traditions, to highlight the separation between church and state enshrined by most EU members.

"The problem cannot be swept under the carpet to please those who do not want to discuss it," said deputy Polish Foreign Minister Jan Truszczysnki.