CoolBlueC6:

OK, I am new here, but have been using Corel Draw since 1996 or so.  To "open" an .AI file, you have to use the IMPORT function.  Then select the .eps, .ai interpolated filter.  That works on ever .ai file that I have ever used.  Hope this helps.

Eric 

 Hi, CoolBlueC6, glad to know you. You are right, this is the old and clasical way to import AI files. But, since many versions you can "Open" Illustrator files instead of import. Also, you can "open" PDF or postscript files, as a new CDR file.  But Illustrator change the internal AI code from CS version.
and now is better import as a PDF. If you select An illustrator version CS or CS2, you can import or open selecting the PDF format.