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Management is responsible for the integrity of the financial information contained in this report, including the audited financial statements, which have been pr epared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and include amounts that are based on management’s care- ful judgment and the best infor mation available. 

In order to fulfill its responsibility for the accuracy of financial information, management has designed a reliable system of internal financial controls that pro- vides a cost-effective safeguard over Company assets, while at the same time ensuring that transactions ar e executed and accounted for in accor dance with manage- ment’s instructions. Compliance with the established financial controls is the responsibility of qualified finan- cial managers, including an internal audit department. 

The Audit Committee of the Boar d of Directors, comprised solely of Directors from outside the Company, 

meets on a quarterly basis with management and both the external and internal auditors as necessary. The com- mittee’s primary responsibilities include ongoing assess- ment of: (i) management’s discharge of its responsibility for fair and accurate financial r eporting; (ii) the activities and independence of the external and internal auditors; (iii) the adequacy of internal financial controls and the financial reporting process; and (iv) compliance with key Company policies. 

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