FACTBOX: G8 ministers more upbeat on economy

LECCE, Italy (Reuters) - At their meeting in southern Italy on June 12-13, finance ministers from the Group of Eight nations described their economies in the most positive terms since the global credit crisis erupted nine months ago.

Following are ministers' comments about the economy at the meeting, and their comments two months ago at April meetings of the Group of Seven and Group of Twenty nations in Washington.

JUNE MEETING

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE

"There are signs of stabilization in our economies, including a recovery of stock markets, a decline in interest rate spreads, improved business and consumer confidence, but the situation remains uncertain and significant risks remain to economic and financial stability."

U.S. TREASURY SECRETARY TIMOTHY GEITHNER

"The force of the economic storm is receding. There are encouraging signs of stabilization across many economies."

GERMAN FINANCE MINISTER PEER STEINBRUECK

"I am very cautious, but there are indeed indicators which show that there will be possibly a certain stabilization.