21.   Bulgaria on Saturday became the seventh former East bloc nation to formally apply for EU membership.

22.   But Russians negotiators have hinted they might accept an enlargement on condition foreign troops and nuclear arms were not stationed in the former East bloc nations.

23.   But things have changed since the former Soviet bloc nation passed tough copyright laws two years ago.

24.   Claes told reporters after a meeting here of foreign ministers from NATO and former East bloc nations.

25.   Claes rejected Russian demands for guarantees that no foreign troops or nuclear weapons will be stationed in former Communist bloc nations if they join the Western alliance.

26.   Despite Russian objections, NATO started work Wednesday on a blueprint to outline how former East bloc nations can be brought into the Western alliance.

27.   Eastern Europe will join the unity act as well when EU enlargement negotiations open with a number of former Soviet bloc nations.

28.   Five of the exercises will be held in former Soviet bloc nations.

29.   Five former Soviet bloc nations opened membership talks Tuesday with the European Union, which heard an appeal by Cyprus not to let Turkey hinder its entry.

30.   Former Soviet bloc nations for many years used major international boxing competition such as the Olympics as a propaganda vehicles.