Buzek in Rome reassured a ready and waiting place for Poland in the EU

“A place at our table is ready and waiting for Poland,” said Italian Prime Minister Giuliano Amato after his meeting with Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek in Rome yesterday. Amato said Italy wants Poland to join the EU in 2003. Both prime ministers agreed that progress must be achieved in the most difficult and important accession chapters--regional policy, agriculture and budgeting. Amato also expressed his belief that without EU financial support, Poland will not manage to meet EU environment protection standards. During his visit in Rome Buzek also planned to meet Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, the heads of both chambers of parliament, and last but not least, Pope John Paul II. After his talks at the Vatican Buzek disclosed that contrary to popular assumptions, the Pope will not visit Poland this year. (Rzeczpospolita, p.A8) M.K.