1.   But to admit Burma next year also would break with the usual precedent of having applicant nations serve at least two years as observer countries before being admitted.

2.   The observer countries, chosen because of their historic involvement with the Southwest African nation, participate in meetings of the Luanda-based Joint Commission.

3.   The United States, and other observer countries have brushed off the criticism, maintaining that everything is in place for smooth elections.

4.   UNITA Secretary-General Paulo Lukamba Gato said by telephone from Bailundo that his group would still attend Joint Commission meetings but would not talk to officials from the observer countries.

5.   While in the Dominican Republic, ACP officials also accepted East Timor as an observer country, Goulongana said.

6.   While in the Dominican Republic, the group also accepted East Timor as an observer country, Goulongana said.

7.   Full compliance with the military aspects of the accord is vital in the eyes of the United Nations and the observer countries before its political features can be implemented.

8.   Also represented in Trieste were four observer countries hopeful of joining the group -- Belarus, Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine.

9.   Also represented in Trieste are four observer countries hopeful of joining the grouping, Belarus, Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine.

10.   Canada, China, France and Russia will attend the WPNS meeting as observer countries.