Brussels, 06/11/2001 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has pointed out that it will be pursuing its investigation concerning Microsoft, independently of the friendly agreement reached last Friday between the US anti-trust authorities and the information technology giant. The inquiry is factually and legally separate from that carried out in the United States, Amelia Torres, Commissioner Monti's spokesperson, said in substance. In answer to questions on the influence that a US verdict could have on Community examination, she pointed out that it was first of all a question of knowing the details of the agreement reached across the Atlantic. Microsoft, for its part, will, barring mishap, give its response to the second letter of grievances that the Commission sent it at the end of August, and is expected to call for a hearing on 21 or 22 December (see EUROPE of 31 August, p;6).