20/09/2007 (Agence Europe) - There will continue to be police at the borders between the Czech Republic and Austria and between Slovakia and Austria after these two Central European countries join the Schengen area, said Czech Deputy Interior Minister Lenka Ptackova-Melicharova on Tuesday 18 September, CTK reports. Given the planned opening of borders, Austria would like to sign a memorandum of understanding with its neighbours, despite the progress made by Slovakia and other countries in preparation for their joining the Schengen area. The ten member states which acceded to the EU in 2004, with the exception of Cyprus, are due to join the Schengen area by 31 December. Controls will be lifted at land borders, probably before Christmas, and in airports by the end of March 2008 (see EUROPE 9504). (bc)