We have around 3,000 stores now. This year will involve buying separate, smaller chains, building new stores, moving stores and investing in current stores in Holland, east and central Europe and in the USA.

The financial targets we originally set for retail in 2003 have become increasingly challenging. Competitive and operating cost pressures have been greater than expected and the turnaround at certain businesses has been slower than planned.

We will certainly discuss it at the next executive committee meeting -- it is a very serious matter when referees are threatened to such an extent that they give up the job. Coaches must also understand that the sort of people who make these threats - people who are no better than terrorists -- can be stimulated by their remarks about referees. We must examine all the circumstances to see what can be done.

I am a bit skeptical, ... Protectionism will not secure jobs in the long term.

Europe should stick to an open economy, to competition and we should refuse protectionism. It will not save one single job in the long run to protect non-competitive industries,

We are not leaving Brussels without a result, and I will let it take the time it needs...If not, we will not be able to conclude the accession talks in December.