"I would like to set the record straight concerning media coverage of some remarks I made during the NATO Summit in Prague.

The comments attributed to me in no way reflect my personal view of the President of the United States. I have never, in any of the many briefings I have given reporters as the Prime Minister's chief spokesperson, ever expressed, on the record or off the record, any negative opinion concerning President George Bush.

If I made comments in the context of what I understood to be a private conversation, I regret that they have attracted so much media attention. I accept full responsibility for them and I sincerely apologize.

So as not to have this matter overshadow the Prime Minister’s important work here at the Summit I have offered him my resignation."