Schroeder supports first-wave accession, doesn't back 2003 as EU entry date

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder during his one-day visit to Poland yesterday emphasized that the European Union (EU) would be ready to accept Poland as its member, adding that everything depended on the pace of current negotiations. the Polish side wants to conclude the negotiations in 2001. "Poland will be among those first accepted into the European Union. Please take it as a political commitment on the part of Germany" said the Chancellor during his speech to the Sejm. Though Schroeder showed support for Poland's aspirations to join the EU by ruling that it must be among the first wave of countries accepted for EU accession, he did not back Poland's target of membership by 2003. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p.1; Zycie, p.1; Reuters)