The Minister for Foreign Affairs has reiterated Ireland’s commitment to EU enlargement during a visit to the Czech Republic today.
Speaking after a meeting in Prague with President Vaclav Havel, Mr Cowen said Irish public opinion remained supportive of the enlargement process.
"The result of the recent referendum does not represent a rejection of enlargement by the Irish people. The Government remains fully committed to assisting the enlargement negotiations with applicant countries within the timetable envisaged."
During his meeting with President Havel, the Minister said it was the Government’s belief that the Czech Republic is likely to be among the first group of accessions ready to join the EU by the end of 2002.
Mr Cowen also announced that Ireland is to open resident embassies in four of the EU candidate countries.
He said resident missions would also be opened in all of the remaining states seeking EU membership over the next two years.
Mr Cowen said the decision should be seen as evidence of the Irish government's "continuing commitment" to the enlargement of the EU.
He added: "It signals Ireland's determination to work for the strengthening and developing of close and cordial relations with the candidate countries.
The countries where Ireland plans to open embassies are Cyprus, Estonia, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia.