EU welcomes ten candidates in Athens

The European Union welcomed ten new members to its ranks yesterday in a lavish signing ceremony rich in symbolism at the foot of the Acropolis, ancient cradle of Western democracy. Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis warmly greeted leaders from the mostly ex-communist countries. "This is a historic day. This is an achievement which creates new obligations on us to look to the future with optimism and creativity," Simitis told the assembled leaders of the 15 current members and of the candidate states. The EU is especially keen to look to the future after the war in Iraq exposed deep divisions in the bloc. On behalf of Poland, the treaty was signed by Prime Minister Leszek Miller and Foreign Minister Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 1; Reuters) K.Ż.