Brussels, 06/01/2005 (Agence Europe) - The Commission spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that Member States whose budgetary deficit does not exceed 3% of GDP because of the aid they have contributed to the populations of Asia hit by the earthquake may not be penalised. In concrete terms, the amount of such aid cannot be excluded from the calculation of deficit, but the Stability Pact provides that, in exceptional circumstances, a Member State in an excessive deficit situation may escape...