11.  The European Union took its expansion plan a further step into eastern Europe on Monday, initiating the membership procedure for the Baltic state of Latvia.

12.  The other two Baltic states, Estonia and Lithuania, are in that group.

13.  The other Baltic states, Estonia and Latvia, are also in that group.

14.  The three Baltic states have made clear they prefer EU membership.

15.  Vahi also pledged that the Baltic state would tighten control of its borders with new technical equipment, the news agency said.

16.  Halliste said the refusal of Russian muscle was not linked to political tensions between the tiny Baltic state and its former Soviet master.

17.  But Yeltsin warned Wednesday that Moscow would keep its troops in place until the Baltic state guaranteed rights for its Russian minority.

18.  Estonia is the only Baltic state still to secure an accord with Moscow on troop withdrawals.

19.  The Republic of Ireland will be desperately hoping that miracles occur in the Baltic state of Latvia.

20.  The two allies hope to consolidate their breakthrough in a second round next month, which would enable them to govern the tiny Baltic state without seeking further partners.