Leaders of newly invited nations welcome historic move

The Polish President Alexander Kwasniewski has said the day will "become history". Slovakia's Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda has responded to the NATO invitation by saying it was a "milestone" for his country on its road to long-term democracy. The Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus has said the invitation by NATO to join the alliance represented a "big day" for his country, adding he was certain Lithuanians everywhere would be pleased. Bulgaria's Prime Minister Simeon Sackskoburggotski has told the Bulgarian national radio that joining NATO "will be among the most significant events for Bulgaria in the 21st century". The Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel has said the invitation for Slovenia represents international acknowledgement of the progress made by the former communist entity.