This assistance has come in the form of guarantees, capital injections and asset support. The magnitude of support is without precedent, and all participants in financial markets should be conscious of that. It has been extended on behalf of the general public, and for the benefit of the overall economy. Banks are an important part of the economy.
The support has been given for their role in the economy, not for the banks by themselves. We also have to understand the concern of our democracies as regards compensation and bonuses. Principles have been agreed upon at the level of the international community. They were worked out by the Financial Stability Board and approved by the G20.