New OLO 5 year

The Minister of Finance, Didier Reynders, announces :

The Kingdom of Belgium intends to issue a new syndicated 5 year benchmark bond (OLO 45) during the course of Januari 2005, subject to market conditions. The Kingdom has mandated BNP-Paribas, Dexia and Nomura as joint bookrunners. The OLO auction scheduled for January 31st 2005 is cancelled.