The Commission informed the Council of the current state of play in its informal contacts with the United States Administration, following which a number of delegations intervened.
The President summarised the results of the exchange of views as follows:
"The Council welcomed the progress reported by the Commission in its informal talks with the United States. Whilst recognising that there could be no guarantee of success, Ministers were unanimous in their support for a prompt resumption of formal negotiations, judging that conditions were now in place for making progress towards an agreement with the US at substantial mutual benefit. Such an agreement could be staged, provided there was a commitment to completion, and would need to deliver real benefits for both sides. The Commission had the Council's full support and the Presidency would work closely and urgently with the Commission to achieve a result."