21.   The operation to launch the euro will be almost completed by the end of next week, EU Commissioner for Monetary Affairs Pedro Solbes said here on Friday.

22.   The euro was launched three years ago in scriptural form on financial markets, for transfers, accounting and use by cheque and credit card.

23.   The euro has been launched almost without a hitch -- except it has fallen heavily against the dollar.

24.   The euro was launched three years ago in sciptural form on financial markets, for transfers, accounting and use by cheque and credit card.

25.   The euro was launched with great fanfare on Tuesday, and, in general, enjoyed a smooth handover from the respective national currencies.