国际英语新闻：High-level talks held to salvage Belgian-Dutch bank Fortis

BRUSSELS, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- High-level talks involving the government, financial regulators and banking groups were held in Belgium and the Netherlands over the weekend to try to find a solution to the crisis surrounding Belgian-Dutch bank Fortis, Dutch media reported Sunday.

    Dutch Finance Minister Wouter Bos held talks with senior finance officials at the headquarters of the Dutch central bank until just after Saturday midnight, Radio Netherlands reported.

    Although the agenda of the talks was not disclosed, Fortis was believed to be in the center of the discussion.

    In Belgium, emergency talks have also been held between Fortis representatives, Finance Minister Didier Reynders, the Belgian central bank, the Belgian banking commission and other Belgian banking groups. The Belgian government called the talks in the hope that a solution could be found before the markets open on Monday.

    The Belgian-Dutch bank and insurance group is facing a liquidity problem and is trying to sell its assets to raise up to ten billion euros (14.6 billion U.S. dollars). The bank named a new chief executive on Friday as its shares plunged for a fifth day in a row mainly due to a loss of investor confidence.

    Despite the company's claims that it was solvent and in no danger of collapse, Fortis shares fell more than 20 percent to 5.18 euros (7.56 dollars) on closing on Friday, hitting a 15-yearlow. Just one year ago its shares were worth 24 euros (35 dollars).

    Dutch daily Financieele Dagblad reported Sunday that the bank is considering selling itself or the ABN Amro Dutch banking business it acquired last year. Fortis' massive take-over of part of Dutch bank ABN Amro has prompted market concerns about its funding, which was believed to be the main cause of the turmoil surrounding Fortis since the beginning of this year.

    The paper quoted unnamed sources as saying that BNP Paribas could be a potential buyer for Fortis or its ABN business. Meanwhile Dutch financial group ING or Rabobank may be interested in Fortis' private banking business.