After holding a three-way telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Jacques Chirac to work out a common position on this issue, MrSchroedersaid it was important that "as far as possible" unity in the Security Council should be maintained.
"It is absolutely essential that no state aid is given before it is authorised - if it is authorised - by the European Commission, " Mr Monti said after meetings with Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Finance Minister Hans Eichel.