1.   The new government also favoured closer relations with the United States, which maintained NATO naval bases in Iceland.

2.   He was, however, a pragmatist and a realist who favoured close relations with the United States.

3.   His pro-Spanish past followed him throughout the election campaign, compelling him to deny suggestions that he may still favour closer relations with Madrid.

4.   Armenian President Levon Ter-Petrossian has repeatedly said he favours improved relations with Turkey.

5.   Prodi said during a visit to Turkey last month that he favoured closer relations between Ankara and the European Union.

6.   Prodi said during a visit to Ankara last month that he favoured closer relations between Ankara and Brussels.

7.   Prodi said during a visit to Ankara last month that he favoured closer relations between Turkey and the EU.