17/10/2001 (Agence Europe) - The President of the Council of the EU, Louis Michel, met with his Italian counterpart, Renato Ruggiero, against the background of the General Affairs Council to try and solve the diplomatic imbroglio between the two countries concerning Louis Michel's comments, awarding the Italian Prime Minster, Silvio Berlusconi, zero points (in response to a question from a journalist). In a letter to the Belgian Prime Minster, Guy Verhofstadt, Renato Ruggiero demanded an apology. Having received a reply drafted by Mr Michel, Italy demanded further explanations, Mr Ruggiero telling journalists that while it was a serious issue, he did not want it to create inextricable problems between the two countries. Neither Minister would comment after the meeting, but Mr Ruggiero's spokesperson said that the issue had not been settled and that Italy had demanded an explanation.