European Commission and Poland at impasse over issue of land purchase

The European Commission (EC) will not present its position in negotiations with Poland on the free flow of capital, citing that no progress has been made on the issue for several months. "Poland-EU talks have run into difficulties as Polish authorities are reluctant to make even the slightest compromise," say EC members, adding that the issue has domestic political implications and no movement can be expected before the parliamentary elections scheduled for September. Two years ago Poland applied for a transition period after EU membership during which foreigners would be forbidden to buy land for investment for 5 years, and for 18 years if for farming purposes. In May 2000, EU secretary general Guenther Verheugen said he agreed on the periods in order to appease Polish public opinion.The EU says more confidence on the side of Poland would be welcome. (Rzeczpospolita, p.B2) J.K.