21.   In Luxembourg, Issing said calls for a more liberal interpretation of the criteria have unsettled investors.

22.   Issing said on Wednesday that the vital condition for a reduction of long-term yields on bonds was confidence that price stability would continue.

23.   Issing said the number of countries taking part in creation of the single currency will be of decisive importance for its stability.

24.   Issing said the euro-zone recovery will not depend on a strong US rebound or on exports.

25.   That would be reflected in a continuation in the rise in value of the euro, Issing said.