Posted on 11/07/2006 11:38:04 AM PST by lizol
US diplomat suggests dismissal of deputy PM over Iraq
07.11.2006
Foreign Minister Anna Fotyga is meeting with the US ambassador in Warsaw to discuss an opinion voiced by his deputy Kenneth Hillas concerning criticism of Poland's deputy Prime Minister Roman Giertych.
Story by Slawek Szefs.
The scandal broke out when leading Polish newspapers published information contained in a memorandum of a meeting of deputy US ambassador Kenneth Hillas with Leszek Jesien, secretary of state at the Prime Minister's Office.
During their talks, Mr. Hillas commented on deputy premier Roman Giertych's appeal for a public debate on Poland's participation in the military campaign in Iraq and the consequences of the mission on the civillian population there, which suffered hundreds of thousands of casualties as a result of international involvement in their country. An American report set this number at 650 thousand victims. The memorandum mentions Mr. Hillas' remark on the proposition to the effect that... 'should a deputy government head in Germany, France or Denmark make such a statement, he would be dismissed from his post'.
Roman Giertych reacted strongly to the words of the American deputy ambassador and labelled it direct foreign interference into the affairs of a sovereign country. Additionally, he voiced an opinion that the diplomat's statement could be proof of the attitude of the United States towards Poland.
' The information coming from the memorandum might be just the tip of the iceberg. Maybe we have created a situation in which Poland has allowed the US to exercise absolute power over its foreign policy to the extent of eliminating Polish opinions and stands. Respected are only those who have respect for themselves.'
Professor Zbigniew Lewicki from Warsaw University, expert on US affairs and former department director at the Foreign ministry says, the American diplomat has definitely not exercised expected restraint in his opinion. And the lack of reaction on the part of both Washington and Warsaw does not pacify the situation, either.
' Because nothing like that happened, this creates the impression the American side has been considering such demands with reference to Polish government members and this has not encounterrred any reaction from the Polish authorities. It is a great mistake on the part of the US and insufficient experience in handling such matters by Poland. The effect of all this is a difficult sitauation which may negatively influence American image in Polish eyes. This is highly undesirable.'
As to speculations on the diplomat's opinion reflecting official but undeclared US sentiments on Polish affairs, professor Lewicki is convinced they find no backing in Washington quarters.
' I think it was a personal initiative of a diplomat who has not fully realised where and in what circumstances he is posted. This type of language had been used by US diplomatic circles in reference to Latin American countries some fifty or even a hundred years ago. But now, with respect to a European partner, NATO member and close ally this kind of terminology cannot be applied. I'm of the opinion that the whole issue should be speedily cleared up and forgotten. Preferrably,this should be done in the form of a joint communique with words of apology.'
The consequences of Kenneth Hillas' statement are yet to be seen and felt. Deputy Prime Minister Roman Giertych, on his part, has repeated the appeal for a discussion on Poland's military involvement in Iraq and for a moral appraisal of the cause its actions have been serving.
I like America a lot, and have a lot of respect for this great country.
I also do support the War on Terror and Polish participation in it.
As to Giertych - I can't stand the guy and hate the idea of him, being the deputy PM of my (I mean Polish) government.
But I feel really, really pi***d off, when I hear, that deputy US ambassador in Warsaw is trying to tell us, who should or should not be on that post.
First: don't believe the story. Remember the source and their agenda.
Second: Even if the story is true, so what?
The last thing is something, I'll also agree with you about.
The problem is, that it's getting some kind of the specialty of current Polish government - such leaks leading to scandals - one after another.
What's so wrong in admitting the "....private unofficial conversation." should not have taken place!
Hillas' arrogance is unconscionable. He is trained in the art of language, and damn well understood he was tampering with the internal affairs of Poland, and meant for his listener to act in meeting the 'demand' - suttlely inferred or not ( as in this case ). The American State Department must separate this dangerous 'better than thou' imbecile from his post, without waiting for Poland to ask for the same, less it be suggested by America's enemies this dangerous demeanor is typical of American bare knuckle 'diplomacy'.
That is something! Vox reads the "Metaphysics" of Aristoteles.
Poland is situated between hostile empires who proved many times that the Polish people is an obstacle to them.
Greetings from the most evil Empire (some sarcasm)... AB
I have to admit that I would be pi**sed off too if a foreign nation would mix with our interior affairs in this way, but expell such an idiot??! The US are no hostile country (in difference to my own - read vox - giggle) and therefore it would be the easiest way to ignore this guy completely. There would also be the possibillity to declare him officially as a "unpleasant" person without expelling him. The Americans will dismiss him on their own then since they are reasonable people.
According to a copy of Polish diplomat's notes (leaked and reprinted by the Polish media), Hillas said the US ambassador intended to raise the issue of Giertych with the Prime Minister and requested a meeting for that purpose. So Hillas was pushing for resignation, subsequent denials notwithstanding.
What I find very strange is that this remark was made when Polish government is a COALITION. In order to govern Mr. Giertych and his party NEEDS and MUST be part of it. Otherwise they would not form a majority.
So either Mr. Hillas' does not understand it, or there is something else?
What is wrong with public debate in parliament? Americans have such debate.
Are you sure? So maybe if the Polish parliament is so bad, it should be abolished and government should be appointed (przywieziony w teczce)?
Now what happens if American Congress is allowed to debate it will result is US withdrawal? Should Polish troops remain there?
Which parts of the program of League of Polish Families you don't like?
You are evil, no doubt :)
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