Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus says he is optimistic about his country's chances for winning admission to NATO later this year after recent talks in Washington.

Mr. Adamkus told Lithuanian Radio U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and Congressional leaders had praised Lithuania's progress toward full democracy, a market economy and creating an open society. He said top U.S. leaders stressed the importance of fully implementing these goals. He made his comments as he was winding up a visit to Washington.

Mr. Adamkus met with the Secretary of State and U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert Monday before attending President Bush's State of the Union address to Congress.

Mr. Adamkus said Secretary Powell echoed comments by President Bush earlier this month that the decision on NATO expansion expected at an alliance summit in Prague later this year will depend on each individual country's readiness for membership.

Following the earlier meeting with the president, Mr. Adamkus said Mr. Bush also had high praise for the progress Lithuania has achieved in preparation for joining the alliance.

Following his latest Washington visit, the Lithuanian leader is returning to Mexico to resume a vacation.

Email this article to a friend
Printer Friendly Version