Luxembourg, 17/06/2003 (Agence Europe) - Monday's General Affairs Council in Luxembourg approved the text containing the response to be submitted to the European Parliament following the adoption of its decision on the status of MEPs (see EUROPE of 5 June, p.16). In this text, which takes the form of a response by the Council President to the EP President, the Council declares itself "fully aware of the work and efforts made over several years in preparing this proposal". It points out that "the Council Presidency has actively co-operated with the European Parliament, and has kept it informed of its views". The letter adds: "you must therefore be aware of the considerable differences between our respective positions, which prevent the Council from approving this position. I refer in particular to the articles modifying primary law, to the question of the tax regime at Community and national level, which requires Council unanimity, to retirement age, to salary level and budgetary consequences. The Council welcomes several elements of the proposal, particularly reimbursement of expenditure on the basis of costs actually incurred. The Council is aware of Parliament's willingness to adopt for its members a status reflecting the importance of its work. It notes the European Parliament's offer to enter dialogue on these issues, and accepts this invitation".