I don't think in Illinois a foreign lawyer has been given that status before at the federal level.

Next year will be spent concentrating on preparing for the trial in Chicago commencing in March of '07, and I doubt very much whether (Black) will be a newsmaker next year, let alone Business Newsmaker of the Year.

Mr Black asserts his innocence without qualification... (and) has, at all times, acted in good faith.

There is nothing contentious about obtaining court approval for a trip outside of North America. Court approval for international travel is normal and is not bothersome or any burden to Mr. Black or his counsel.

Everything that we know about the United States tells us that they will not respect any protective order here. They will do whatever they can to get the evidence.

He is confident that, when given a full and fair opportunity to defend himself, he will be found innocent.