Enlargement essential-Lithuanian president

Enlargement of the European Union is "essential", but debate on it has demonstrated the fear in some states that new members will upset stability and prosperity, the president of Lithuania has said.

On the second day of his Irish visit, President Valdas Adamkus told the Institute of European Affairs that one of the legacies of the Cold War was that people in his part of Europe were seen as "troublemakers who suffer from a plethora of social and economic problems".

Irish people who visited Lithuania today, however, might be surprised to find a country that was "pro-western, open and tolerant". Small, democratic and predominantly Catholic, it had been compared with Ireland 30 years ago: "Free and in lasting transition, but greatly determined to make up for lost time."

The latest enlargement of the union would prove, as all previous enlargements had, to be a "win-win" situation for existing and new members.

President Adamkus said: "The past 10-year record of my country and of the other central European countries has testified beyond any doubt to the huge potential for development of the candidates and their commitment to building a new life. We do not look for handouts and stand ready to contribute our experience, knowledge and culture to Europe."

The Treaty of Nice had been a "good start" to the process of further enlargement, giving hope that the new members could join the EU in 2004. "Lithuania is determined to use this opportunity."

The Taoiseach assured President Adamkus that Ireland was "strongly committed to the enlargement of the European Union" and would do what it could to help advance Lithuania's membership.

"We look forward to having your country as a close partner in an enlarged European Union," Mr Ahern said.