KRYNICA: PRESIDENTS ADVOCATE CONTINUING EU EXPANSION

KRYNICA, Sept 4 (Hina) - The presidents of Poland, Croatia, Macedonia, and Romania advocate continuing the European Union enlargement process even after the first wave next year when 10 new countries join the Union. #L# Talking to reporters in Poland's Krynica after a debate called "Central and Eastern Europe -- The End or a New Beginning", Polish head of state Aleksandar Kwasniewski advocated continuing and expanding cooperation between next year's new members with countries that would join in future integration rounds. Poland joins the EU next year and is already a member of NATO. Croatia's Stjepan Mesic noted that EU members were tired of the Union's enlargement, while countries wishing to join were tired of waiting. Croatia does not seek new financial transfers from "veteran members" but will use its own strengths to develop thanks to the free market and entrepreneurship, he said. Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski said Poland's assistance to countries which did not join the EU next year should be institutionalised. His colleagues agreed. By attending today's debate, Mesic ended his participation in the 13th annual Economic Forum in Krynica. (hina) ha