Bucharest, 17 June 1997 (RFE/RL) - Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ciorbea left for the United States today to press his country's case for early admission into NATO.
U.S. President Bill Clinton said last week Washington wanted only Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland to be invited to join the alliance at its Madrid summit in July.
Just before leaving, Ciorbea said he is "realistic enough to understand how difficult, if not impossible" to change Clinton's mind. But he added it was his duty to the Romanian people and to his "conscience" to try and obtain favorable results.
Ciorbea is scheduled to meet US Vice President Al Gore and other officials.
U.S. President Bill Clinton said last week Washington wanted only Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland to be invited to join the alliance at its Madrid summit in July.
Just before leaving, Ciorbea said he is "realistic enough to understand how difficult, if not impossible" to change Clinton's mind. But he added it was his duty to the Romanian people and to his "conscience" to try and obtain favorable results.
Ciorbea is scheduled to meet US Vice President Al Gore and other officials.