Skeleton of primitive European could bring Georgia EU membership

One of the prerequisites for Georgia joining the EU is the skeleton of a primitive European that has been found near Dmanisi. This announcement was made by Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze yesterday.

Georgian archaeologists discovered the skeleton, in their opinion one of the first Europeans, recently while digging near Dmanisi, about 30 kilometres from Tbilisi. Mr Shevardnadze said in all seriousness that 'Georgia now has a serious argument for joining the EU: it is clear that we are in fact the oldest Europeans and we therefore have the right to demand membership of the EU.' He said the skeleton was a significant and wonderful discovery. Curiously, the president's announcement did not cause any laughter among the Georgian ministers and others present at the meeting.