There is an interesting statement in JAR-FCL 1.005(b)(1) which says training commenced prior to 1 July 1999 according to national regulations will be acceptable for the issue of licences and ratings under national regulations, provided that training and testing is completed before 30th June 2002. This was effectively the JAA transition period.
At the end of the day hours are hours and any training conducted in accordance with ICAO should be acceptable. To get a PPL you only need 25 hours dual training and 10 hours solo; the remaining 10 hours can be any other flying. The chances are that you will take at least another 35 hours so you really should not have a problem adding in the 17 you already have.