FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	AT

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2004	(202) 514-2007

WWW.USDOJ.GOV	TDD (202) 514-1888

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ANTITRUST DIVISION ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING THE ENDING OF SETTLEMENT TALKS BETWEEN THE EU AND MICROSOFT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Justice Antitrust Division issued the following statement after settlement talks between the EU and Microsoft came to an end today:

"We are aware of the March 18 announcements by European Commissioner Monti and Microsoft that settlement talks are at an end in the EU's five-year investigation of the company.

"It is premature to speculate on the contents or substance of whatever decision, remedies, or penalties the EU may eventually decide to impose.

"The U.S. Government and the European Commission enjoy a strong working relationship on matters relating to competition policy and have a shared interest in avoiding divergent enforcement approaches.

"Our cooperation with the European commission on antitrust issues will continue under the provisions of our 1991 agreement on antitrust cooperation and we will use these channels to address issues as they arise.

"The Department of Justice will continue the work of enforcing the consent decree entered in its case against Microsoft, which in the Government's view provides the appropriate framework for marketplace competition in this important sector."

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