11.   Cyprus sees EU membership as a catalyst for a settlement and reunification of the island.

12.   Croat political leaders see membership as boosting its chances of joining the European Union.

13.   Dobrzanski was quoted as saying he does not see Polish membership in NATO spoiling its links with Moscow.

14.   However, the Baltic states all see membership as a way of solidifying their ties to the West.

15.   Many former East bloc nations see membership as a stepping stone to joining other Western organizations such as the European Union or NATO.

16.   Most important, they see membership in such institutions as an important guarantee against Russian expansion.

17.   Russia has said it would see Baltic membership as a threat, although the rhetoric has been toned down in recent months.

18.   The three small former Soviet republics see NATO membership as crucial to their long-term security.

19.   They see membership bringing economic prosperity, political stability and strategic security.

20.   Norwegian membership would be seen as strengthening the influence of the free-trading but socially conscious Scandinavian bloc within the EU.