71.   Solana was asked at a news conference whether NATO should limit possible deployment of nuclear arms or setting up bases in former Soviet satellite nations to avoid provoking Russia.

72.   Six other nations, including five former satellites of the now-defunct Soviet Union, were recommended for membership talks.

73.   Six other nations, including five former satellites of the now-defunct Soviet Union, were given recommended for membership talks.

74.   The alliance included former Soviet satellites Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic this year.

75.   The Czech Republic is among the most successful former Soviet satellites in moving from central planning to the free market.

76.   The Czech Republic is the only former Soviet satellite which bars former secret police agents from state administration and government.

77.   The Czech Republic, like other former Soviet satellites, is eager to join the Western military alliance.

78.   The delay in ratifying the treaty reflects the difficulties former Soviet satellite states have in reconciling with Moscow in the post-Communist era following decades of Soviet dominance.

79.   The Czech Republic is one of the most successful of the former Soviet satellites, with low unemployment and inflation and a high level of foreign investment.

80.   The Czech Republic is one of the most successful among the former Soviet satellites in transforming a totalitarian society into a democratic, market-oriented system.