Poland Has A New PresidentAfter the tragic plane crash which caused the death of Polish President Lech Kaczynski and many other high ranking members of the Polish government last April, a new President was needed. The man standing in for the former president, Bronislaw Komorowski won by an overwhelming vote over former president Lech Kaczynski's identical twin. Now as the Polish President, Bronislaw Komorowski has work to do. The Poles want results. They want to be more involved with the European Union, NATO, and America. To accomplish this, Poland's current President has taken his second trip to Washington thispast year to meet with American President Obama.
Newly Elected Polish President Visits President Obama
Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski visited America to meet with President Obama December 8-10. “Poland's task is to establish a strategic alliance between the European Union and the USA,” he stated as the main reason for his visit to the US. "Poland has always been in favor of strong bonds across the Atlantic. We are members of both the EU and NATO, and the time has come to undertake consistent actions aimed at making real that which is feasible: a strategic alliance between the EU and the USA, with Poland contributing decisive effort to its establishment," he said.
The Issue Concerning Visas For Polish Residents
One of the most important issues concerning Poland is America’s agreement to lift the visa requirement allowing Poles easier access into the United States. Obama has told reporters that he hopes to have the need for visas for Polish citizens abolished by the end of his presidency. Poles feel that with their continous support in Iraq and the fact that they have been one of the most loyal countries to date, they deserve a little payoff. Most Europeans can simply jump on a plane and take a week long vacation to the US capital or Hollywood. But not Poles. Polish residents must apply for a visa simply to take a vacation to America. This requires extensive interviewing and a decent amount of money. This is exactly why this was the biggest issue that was brought to the plate at last month's meeting between Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski and American President Obama.
Komorowski has stated he fully supports the recently passed START treaty, which could help admit Poland into the visa waiver program.
What Exactly Is The START Treaty?The START Treaty, Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, is a nuclear disarmament agreement between Russia and America. It was signed by President Obama and President Dmitry Medvedev last April.
Polish President Engages in Other Activities While in Washington
Once business was taken care of, Komorowski visited the Holocaust Museum in D.C. as well as delivered a speech at the German Marshall Fund alongside Frank Spula, the President of the Polish American Congress. This concluded the Polish President’s winter trip to America.
www.warsawvoice.pl/WVpage/pages/article.php/22973/article
Join the Conversation