George W Bush in Poland
The visit of US President George W Bush certainly dominated Polish news last week. Warsaw residents experienced some traffic problems as the presidential
cavalcade of Mercedes (on loan from a local taxi company) crossed the city several times.
Warsawers also gathered at the entrance of Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski's palace to see President Bush go through to meet Kwasniewski. A group of Lithuanians found the visit a good opportunity for a little lobbying: "Mr President, say 'yes' to Lithuania in NATO!" their transparent read. The visit would not have been full without anti-globalisation groups voicing their views loudly as Bush passed them.
Later on, they even staged a small fight with Bush's supporters, but were quickly pacified by the police. Other than that, Bush's visit (he only one in his European tour proclaimed official) was an occasion for the American leader to assure Poland that it made the right choice, back in 1989, and for Polish politicians to confirm Poland's role as America's main ally in this part of Europe.
Anti-missile shield supported
George Bush gave a 30-minute speech, in which he outlined his vision for America, Europe and the world, and the recurrent and important themes were issues of security. President Kwasniewski has stated very clearly that Poland is in favour of Bush's plan of building the new anti-missile shield, which is much criticised by other NATO members, the EU and Russia, who say the shield would be in violation of the old US-Russia treaty from 1972. Bush defied critics: "The [1972] treaty is a relic of the Cold War."
Kwasniewski supported him: "The US wants to build the new system not only in their own interest but also in the interest of the world's security. They want to build it through a dialogue with all partners, including Russia. It is a very good policy. If we are to act in such a way, then it will prove that the new security systems are not controversial at all. 'Star Wars' was an idea for the times of ideological confrontation. Now we are speaking of a global security system, which is a totally different thing," said Kwasniewski.
NATO enlargement
Other issues of the US President's visit to Poland included NATO enlargement. Bush has confirmed previous news from Brussels and said NATO would expand in 2002. He did not say, though, what countries would become the new members then. Regarding Russia, Ukraine and the upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bush said, "We want Russia to be an ally, a partner in peace and democracy, a country of freedom, a country which would increase Europe's security. We want to assure Russia that we do not want to diminish her importance. On the contrary: we want to augment it."
"Ukraine is a country in transition," the US President went on to say. "Poland, the US and other countries must co-operate with it, so as to help it make the right choices. I mean: democracy, free market and freedom."
Visas and tariffs
Some Polish journalists took Bush by surprise when they asked him whether there was a chance of easing American visa requirements for Poles (as Americans visiting Poland do not need Polish visas). "Poles are welcomed in the US," Bush replied, "I thought travelling to America was easy."
During the meeting with Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek, more economical issues were raised. The US has agreed to include Poland in its general system of tariff preferences. In return, Poland agreed to suspend tariffs for USD 100 million worth of goods imported from the US.
Wojtek Kość, 15 June 2001
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