No Change in Policy Towards US, Assures President Kwasniewski

Polish News Bulletin
Sep 07, 2004

President Aleksander Kwasniewski claims there will be no change in
Polish-American relations following his recent interview with the
New York Times, in which he criticised the American government for
not being flexible and sympathetic enough. “We remain in Iraq and
are proud of being able to co-operate with the Americans in many
places,”said Kwasniewski. He explained that he only wished to voice
concerns present in the minds of many Poles. “We are not changing our
policy towards the US and I can assure you that America is strong
enough to take my critical remarks,” Kwasniewski told journalists
after his meeting yesterday with his Armenian counterpart. However,
asked about the visa issue which has poisoned Polish-American relations
for some time now, the President admitted being deeply disappointed
with the American attitude.”As a realist I certainly understand the
situation, but as a friend of America I don’t understand the denial
(of a more relaxed visa regime),” he said.