We understand that practices and procedures that accomplish the objectives referred to in the second paragraph of this report are considered bythe SEC to be adequate for its purposes in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and relate regulations, and that practices and procedures that do not accomplish such objectives in all material respect indicate a material inadequacy for such purposes. Based on this understanding and on our study, we believe that the Company’s practices and procedures were adequate at December 31,2002, to meet the SEC’s objective.