EU denies reports of deal between Germany and France to postpone expansion

There is no secret agreement between the main German parties nor between Germany and France about postponing the date of European Union (EU) expansion eastward in 2005-2006. The statement was made yesterday in front of the European Parliament by Guenter Verheugen, who is the EU Commissioner for eastern expansion. He added that the announcement of an expansion date may be made when the preparations of the candidates are advanced enough. Verheugen admitted however, that most advanced candidates could expect a final negotiation calendar in December. Poland, however, may be not in a favorable position. Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) leader Leszek Miller, during his visit in Brussels, met Verheugen who promised to send to the leader of the opposition a list of unfulfilled obligations by the Polish government. (Rzeczpospolita, page A6) A.D.