The announcement is part of a new approach, a sign that the famously secretive company is abandoning its go-it-alone approach and embracing licensing deals and joint ventures.

Similarly, Mr. Rumsfeld is backtracking from his go-it-alone approach.

The go-it-alone approach has raised as many eyebrows as the decision to shut down the sites.

That, he said, justifies his country's go-it-alone approach, directing money to 15 countries whose programs are closely managed by the United States Agency for International Development.

"It's still a go-it-alone approach that lets the U.N. off the hook," said Mr. Levin, chairman of the Armed Services Committee.

It has surprised some critics with what is seen as a go-it-alone approach.

"But it is also confirmation that the administration's go-it-alone approach, effectively excluding Congress and the courts and operating outside the law, was unnecessary."

Given the EU's weight in the international arena, 'go-it-alone' approaches by the EU are highly unlikely to have any effect.

It is apparent, in other words, that go-it-alone approaches by Mr Sarkozy will not be tolerated in the European Union.

Many European states have also found themselves at odds with what they see as the Bush administration's go-it-alone approach to issues like global warming, trade and Iraq.