Romania Optimistic About EU Membership

Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu (file photo) (AFP)
September 11, 2006 -- Romanian Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu says talks with senior European Union officials today leave him confident his country will join the EU on January 1, 2007.

The Romanian leader says he is hopeful Romania will be offered membership without any special restrictions.

The European Commission is expected to release a report next week on the membership prospects for Romania and Bulgaria.

(AP, Reuters)