Although the result of the Nice Treaty referendum was a surprise, Poland had never had any doubt that it was not the fear of enlargement which led to the outcome, the Polish Minister for Foreign Affairs said in Dublin yesterday.
Dr Wlodzimierz Cimoszewicz, on a brief visit, said at the National Forum on Europe that the Irish people had some rather intricate issues that they desired to clarify before supporting the Government. Dr Cimoszewicz said: "I share the hope that Irish voters will change their opposition to the Nice Treaty."
The example of Ireland was often invoked in the Polish debate on EU membership. Its success story was a perfect illustration of the principle of European solidarity functioning in practise. "I very much hope we will soon be able to add a Polish success story to that list," he said.
During his visit, Mr Cimoszewicz met the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen. Yesterday, he addressed the Institute of European Affairs where he said the direction in which the EU was moving had become more important than ever.
Involving new members in the debate on the future of the EU was a confidence-building measure. Debate was enormously important for the candidate countries. "Our societies should focus much more on our role in the EU after succession. We should prepare to win our future in the Union for ourselves and for our partners," Mr Cimoszewicz said.
Last night he visited the Polish Social and Cultural Association and met members of the Polish community. He also awarded the Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland to the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mr Michael Mulcahy. The Minister leaves Ireland today.