21.   The nationalist rightwing opposition Freedom Party for its part, in keeping with stated policy, has urged the government to negotiate NATO membership.

22.   The Turkish Cypriots oppose the deal, saying the Greek-Cypriot-led Cyprus government has no right to negotiate membership terms on their behalf.

23.   Twelve mostly ex-communist countries are negotiating EU membership with Brussels.

24.   Jordan and Oman are also negotiating membership.

25.   Peres responded that Israel would be willing to negotiate membership of the treaty two years after signing peace with all Arab countries and Iran.