As you will realise, that is a binding statement, committing the United States to a certain kind of conduct.

Then you will see that the compromise most definitely does contain statements - and indeed very strict, legally binding statements - on this matter.

On doctrinal and theological matters, the apostolic letter requires unanimity of all members before a bishops' conference can issue a binding statement to its followers.

The government can simply push to reverse amendments in the Commons, they can't so easily do that when their own ministers make binding statements that give concessions.

Firm action was also lacking when powers were granted in a bid to make binding statements at European level in the event of supervisors failing to reach agreement.

His first major work was an exposition of the Confession and in 1922 he tried to get the Northern Baptist Convention to adopt it as its binding statement of faith.

That may enable more people to bring in relatives, although another provision of the law is already discouraging some close family members, not to mention friends, from signing such legally binding statements, immigration lawyers say.

Under the new rules, it would be almost impossible for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops to issue binding statements on matters of doctrine that diverged from the Vatican view.

This binding statement of permissible ingredients is the only guarantee that consumers can in future have greater confidence in farmers' products, and we farmers know how much we need consumers' approval and trust.

But then, in the comments that provoked speculation about the possibility of a change, he said, "In general, however, there is no one who can predict developments in Iraq in such a way that he could make such a binding statement."

There is admittedly a naming dispute, but we cannot ignore the fact that, in 1995, Greece made a binding statement, valid under international law, agreeing that the naming dispute would never be an obstacle to Macedonia joining the international community, the EU or NATO.

To close, I should like to say that Commissioner Barrot is here with us today, representing the Commissioner for Regional Policy, Mrs Hübner, and, as agreed, will make a binding statement by the Commission on the evaluation of the new measures for 2010 in connection with all three regulations.