11.  At the same time, we recognize the progress achieved toward greater stability and cooperation by the states in the Baltic region who are also aspiring members.

12.  Bulgaria, an aspiring member of the European Union, has toughened its border controls to comply with union standards.

13.  He said he believes Georgia, an aspiring member of NATO and a transit point for Caspian oil, has an al-Qaida problem.

14.  Last month, the alliance invited aspiring members to hold exploratory talks on how they could adapt to the requirements and costs of membership.

15.  Lobkovich said the ministers agreed to help advise other aspiring NATO members, adding that they wanted to avoid new lines of division in Europe after they join NATO.

16.  Many aspiring members have outdated farm and industrial sectors and will seek financial aid to upgrade them.

17.  No date was set for entry, but the aspiring members and several EU nations have set the end of the century as a target.

18.  Romania did win, along with Slovenia, favorable mention in the final communique as an aspiring member.

19.  The EU will only open talks with aspiring members after the revision.

20.  The visit of the Spanish diplomat is one of several the delegation is making to aspiring members before a NATO summit set for the Czech Republic in November.