21.   Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary were selected last July as the first of more than a dozen nations who now seek NATO membership.

22.   Pope John Paul II is home in Poland, trying to unite his divided nation as it seeks membership in the European Union and NATO.

23.   Poland is one of a handful of former Soviet bloc countries seeking EU membership early next century.

24.   Poland, seeking NATO membership, is currently considering several offers for modern multi-purpose aircraft needed to replace old-fashioned communist-era jets.

25.   Poland and other former Soviet bloc countries seeking EU membership must complete widespread economic reforms and make other changes to become compatible with Western systems.

26.   A separate case seeking voting membership in the Senate was dismissed by a federal judge and is being appealed.

27.   A Philippine Stock Exchange official said Yamaichi has not yet given it formal application seeking membership at the stock exchange.

28.   Adams said several countries in Asia and Latin America have sought APEC membership.

29.   Albania, Belarus, Ukraine, Rumania and Bulgaria, associated with the group are seeking full membership.

30.   After the meeting, he said Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania have the right to seek alliance membership and criticized Russia for putting pressure on them to stay out.