It seems that today we reached a satisfactory conclusion.

Nobody said there is the intent to exercise a veto.

The presidency should show objectivity and bear in mind the collective interests of all its members, of the EU, and not a special interest which it itself has.

After hard work, cooperation with the Greek government and other states, we achieved a text which satisfies our side; it satisfies our basic expectations.

We want improvements in the text. The intervention of France introduced some new important elements, but the general framework of the counter-declaration is not considered entirely satisfactory to our side.

If there is no agreed negotiating framework, the negotiations will not start.

Immediate and effective action is required to ensure that Cyprus is not deprived of its air links.

The presidency needs to show impartiality and bear in mind the collective interests of the EU and not the interests i t has by securing the opening of accession talks between Turkey and the EU.

For our part, we wonder why the services of Mrs Blair were requested in this particular case.