Gerhard Schroeder stands by Poland in its bid for quick entrance to the EU

Six more Polish Dairies on the European Market: Total increases to 19 After yesterday's decision of the European Union (EU) to allow another six Polish dairies on the European market, the overall number of Polish dairies selling products in Europe increases to 19. This means that 42% percent of Polish dairy products meet EU requirements. After Polish milk products had been banned because of poor sanitary conditions in plants in 1997, the EU approved of five dairies in 1998. A further eight dairies were approved for EU export in 1999. According to Andrzej Komorowski, Poland's chief veterinarian, a list of six dairies is being prepared for EU approval. In recent years, milk processing companies have invested in modernizing equipment and improving sanitary standards and quality. According to Agriculture Minister Artur Balazs, the government will help dairies through subsidized credits and PHARE grants. "Our diaries should be highly competitive on the EU market as they not only have appropriate parameters, but competitive prices," said the minister. (Gazeta Wyborcza, page 24; Reuters) J.K German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who came on a two-day visit to Poland yesterday, will today participate in a conference in Gniezno with Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek and other East European prime ministers. "Germany, keeping in mind its history and its own benefit, will not withdraw support for Poland," ensured the chancellor yesterday. "We will help Poland to attain its goal of entry to the EU as soon as possible." Yesterday's meeting of the two prime ministers appears to be a good sign for Poland's EU bid. In Buzek's opinion, "The German government is unanimous in regard to Poland's quick entrance to the EU." (Zycie, page 1,3; Reuters) A.Z.