Guenther Verheugen promotes ‘Yes' vote on visit

EU expansion commissioner Guenther Verheugen visited Radom, Warsaw, and Łódź yesterday and persuaded local people to vote "Yes" in the coming referendum. "Entering the EU will not immediately open heaven's gates, but I can promise you that it will make overcoming numerous problems easier. You do not face something uncertain, but something bright and full of hope. This is your opportunity," explained Verheugen. His good humor was not even spoiled by a protest by right-wing extremist group Młodzież Wszechpolska, who welcomed the commissioner in front of the city office by shouting: "Yesterday secretariats, today commissioners." He replied by saying, "There is a difference. If such a protest were organized under communism, it would be dispersed in 30 seconds." Verheugen visited high-schools in the city and promised Poland euro 7 billion in EU aid. (Gazeta Wyborcza, pp. 1, 6) M.M.