While there are difficult economic environments throughout Asia, our fundamental business remains strong.

With a business system operating in nearly 200 countries, we are not immune to the economic difficulties that currently exist in many markets around the world.

Global economic conditions have been progressing as we expected during the quarter, thus resulting in the gradually improving volume trends. I am pleased to say that we are experiencing improving unit case volume trends in each of our operating groups when compared to the trends of the previous two quarters.

To those people who suffered, especially children, my colleagues and I want to express a very sincere apology. We strive to make sure that Coca-Cola always stands for good feelings, and we regret that it instead resulted in feelings of illness.

I should have spoken to you earlier, and I apologize for that. To all Belgian people, I want to say that I'm personally very sorry for any discomfort or inconvenience. My colleagues and I will be working very hard to earn you trust again.

Global economic conditions have been progressing as we expected during the quarter, thus resulting in the gradually improving volume trends, ... I am pleased to say that we are experiencing improving unit case volume trends in each of our operating groups when compared to the trends of the previous two quarters.