1.   But NATO says its decision to expand eastward to include former Soviet bloc nations, is irreversible.

2.   He also urged that the trans-Atlantic partners work together to expand NATO and aid former Soviet bloc nations in embracing free markets and consolidating democracy.

3.   In a historic move to expand the Western military alliance closer to Russia, NATO agreed Tuesday to ask three former Soviet bloc nations to join its circle.

4.   In the longer term, the new secretary general will have to preside over the delicate task of bringing in former Eastern bloc nations into the alliance.

5.   Key Senators pressed the Clinton administration Tuesday for firm assurances that European allies will share the cost of expanding NATO to former Soviet bloc nations.

6.   NATO officials have said they plan to invite former East bloc nations to join the alliance, including the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary.

7.   NATO last week invited Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary to be the first former Soviet bloc nations to join the transatlantic military alliance.

8.   StorageTek has opened sales offices in Russia and is its tape drives indirectly through other Eastern bloc nations.

9.   The invitations, rich in the symbolism of the end of the Cold War, were the first to former Soviet bloc nations of Eastern and Central Europe.

10.   These are expensive problems, requiring money that former Soviet bloc nations do not have.