SALZBURG: KLESTIL OPENS OFFICIAL PART OF CENTRAL EUROPE SUMMIT

SALZBURG, May 22 (Hina) - The enlargement of the European Union remains a priority of Central and Southeast Europe and all countries in the region that are members of the EU must help non- member countries to join the EU as soon as possible, Austrian President Thomas Klestil said on Thursday opening the official part of the Central European Summit in Salzburg. #L# Aware that admission criteria are strict and unchangeable, member- countries must support reform processes in the countries which are trying to meet those criteria and lobby in Brussels on behalf of their future partners, Klestil said. Most Central European countries will access the EU next year while Bulgaria and Rumania will do it somewhat later, Klestil said, adding that Croatia had submitted its official application for admission. The Austrian president also stressed that Europe had to unite, adopt joint stands and strengthen military potential as experience showed that political and diplomatic actions could sometimes be implemented only is backed by military force. (hina) sp rml sb