Brussels, 10/01/2000 (Agence Europe) - European Commissioner for External Relations Chris Patten responded by issuing a declaration after the German press had, over the weekend, reported that he had made highly critical remarks about the behaviour of Bodo Hombach, Coordinator for the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe. Mr Patten said: "I have a very good working relationship with Bodo Hombach and malicious reports to the contrary are completely without foundation. I had an excellent and productive meeting with Mr Hombach on the 22 of December. He has an important and difficult job to do and he will continue to have my full support in carrying it out".