Other European officials also said that an agreement was within reach.

"This guy seems to be the real deal," a second senior European official said.

But other European officials say there is no legal basis for such an action.

"Washington these days is making life difficult for its friends," a senior European official said this week.

As a result, many European officials say they doubt that a decision to talk is likely soon.

Some European officials say talks may continue into the summer.

But European officials say they have stepped up economic assistance.

According to European officials, several key differences must be resolved before there is a meeting.

But European officials here said they never gave the agreement much chance of success.

He has played his proper part as a European official.