1.   Ministers in Brussels have been discussing a possible European defence policy.

2.   On the question of a separate European defence identity, some NATO members reportedly pressed for a greater security role for the nine-country Western European Union.

3.   He again vigorously rejected the idea that a viable European defence policy could be achieved in an EC context, and discussions were effectively stalled.

4.   Freeman has said that he favours cross-border consolidation of European defence companies as a way to cope with reduced demand since the end of the Cold War.

5.   France, as she has pledged, will play an active and determined role in world disarmament and for a better European defence system.

6.   Greece scuppered the accord, which would give a new European defence force critical access to NATO strategic support, reportedly out of concern over powerful rival Turkey.

7.   Germany like France favours making the Western European Union - the European defence group - part of the European Union, while Britain wants to keep it separate.

8.   Given the divisions, it now seems unlikely that the IGC will sanction a major step forward towards a common European defence policy.

9.   He remained active in journalism well into his seventies and wrote several books, latterly defending a policy of non-alignment in European defence issues.

10.   However officials in Paris said there was no guarantee France would be successful in promoting a European defence structure and a genuine renewal of NATO.