No objections to proposal for Poland to enjoy 12-year land sale transition

None of the 15 European Union (EU) member countries has expressed opposition to a Belgian proposal that Poland be granted a 12-year transition period for land sales after it joins the alliance. Consent from the EU to the Polish demand for a 12-year delay in the sale of agricultural land and forests to foreigners would represent a breakthrough in membership negotiations. Although Belgium currently holds the presidency of the EU, the organization's official position has not yet been presented. EU Enlargement Commissioner Guenter Verheugen has said it is justified for Poland to be granted a longer transition period than has been agreed with other candidates. Verheugen refused, however, to specify the appropriate length of the period. (Rzeczpospolita, p. A1) M.T.