Posted on 04/10/2010 1:19:25 AM PDT by lizol
Polish president dies in air crash
A plane carrying Lech Kaczynski, the Polish president, has crashed near Smolensk airport in western Russia, killing all on board, Russian officials have reported.
Polish officials confirmed on Saturday that Kaczynski was on board the flight with his wife, as well as Slawomir Skrzypek, the president of Poland's central bank, Andrzej Kremer, the deputy foreign minister and the army chief of staff.
The crash occurred about 1.5km from Smolensk airport in foggy conditions.
Poland gas find threatens Russia’s hold over EU (Things that make you go, hmmmmmm
The First Post ^ | 4-7-10 | Tim Edwards
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2490624/posts
What was the name of the pilot?
Thank you for the pictures. I am there in spirit.
Probably someone already responded but I’ve read several places today that the plane had a thorough going over and upgrade(in Russia) in December ‘09.
Thanks for that info.
I’ve just been dipping in when I have time today, so I have no idea which threads I’ve read that on. If I had more brain cells and time, I’d know where I read it.
If it was gone over in Dec. one would assume that all gauges and doo-hickeys would be up to date.
Nice pic, even if it is for a sad reason. Love how the all of the candle lights light up in that pic.
Wow...that’s a lot of high ranking officials. I’m so sorry for your country’s loss. My husband had many coworkers in Poland and that’s how he found out about the crash.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=116323171716096
PLEASE join this facebook group DEMANDING that President OBAMA publicly offer the services of the NTSB to POLAND
Such sad scenes...and right after the joy of Easter.
Life is so unpredictable.
That is an amazing photo.
I don’t do face book stuff nor other web oriented stuff that opens my system up to virus etc.. But I go along with your sentiments for the USA to assist the Poles in their time of need.
Here is a list of all passengers
http://www.wiadomosci24.pl/artykul/lista_ofiar_katastrofy_samolotu_pod_smolenskiem_132829.html
Thank you AdmSmith.
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=58699
Gates Offers Condolences to Polish Military
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 10, 2010 –
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates offered condolences to the Polish military on the loss of Polish President Lech Kaczynski, who along with the country’s armed service chiefs, died in a plane crash today. The entirety of his statement follows:
“Today, I want to express my deepest and sincere condolences to Polish Minister of Defense Bogdan Klich and the Polish military on the tragic deaths of their Commander in Chief as well as their Armed Service Chiefs and other military personnel who were traveling to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre.
“Poland is one of America ‘s closest allies, and our nations are united by a shared heritage and a shared commitment to defend the values of freedom and democracy. In this accident, Poland has lost some of its most brilliant and dedicated patriots and public servants — citizens who have transformed their country into a model of peace and prosperity at the center of the Euro-Atlantic community.
“The military personnel lost in this tragic accident in some cases had served together side by side with American forces in combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan . Many were spearheading the transformation of the Polish Armed Forces and attended U.S. military schooling. All served with great distinction in the proud military tradition of the Republic of Poland . The United States military mourns the loss of so many cherished Brothers in Arms.”
Biographies:
Robert M. Gates
Note: The following text is a quote:
Home • Briefing Room • Statements & Releases
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release April 10, 2010
Statement by President Obama on the death of Polish President Lech Kaczynski and those traveling with him
Today, I called Polish Prime Minister Tusk to express Michelle’s and my deepest condolences to the people of Poland on the tragic deaths this morning of President Lech Kaczynski, First Lady Maria Kaczynski, and all who were traveling with them to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kaczynski family, the loved ones of those killed in this tragic plane crash, and the Polish nation.
Today’s loss is devastating to Poland, to the United States, and to the world. President Kaczynski was a distinguished statesman who played a key role in the Solidarity movement, and he was widely admired in the United States as a leader dedicated to advancing freedom and human dignity. With him were many of Poland’s most distinguished civilian and military leaders who have helped to shape Poland’s inspiring democratic transformation. We join all the people of Poland in mourning their passing.
Today, there are heavy hearts across America. The United States cherishes its deep and abiding bonds with the people of Poland. Those bonds are represented in the strength of our alliance, the friendships among our people, and the extraordinary contributions of Polish-Americans who have helped to shape our nation.
It is a testament to the strength of the Polish people that those who were lost were travelling to commemorate a devastating massacre of World War II as the leaders of a strong, vibrant, and free Poland. That strength will ensure that Poland emerges from the depths of this unthinkable tragedy, and that the legacy of the leaders who died today will be a light that continues to guide Poland – and the world – in the direction of human progress.
http://www.duniyalive.com/?p=116736
“Twin brother identifies body of Polish President Kaczynski”
Posted on April 11th, 2010 in Hot World
SNIPPET: “Smolensk (Russia), Apr 11(ANI): Former Polish Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski has identified the body of Polish President, and his twin brother, Lech Kaczynski after Saturday’s plane crash in Russia.
“Jaroslaw Kaczynski identified the bodies of President Lech Kaczynski and his wife Maria,” The Times quoted Max Kraczkowski, a Russian official, as saying.
Lech’s body will be transported directly to Warsaw.”
Note: The following news brief is a quote:
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3874089,00.html
PM: Polish president was friend of Israel
Published: 04.11.10, 10:42 / Israel News
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday expressed his condolences to the Polish people over the death of their president and other government officials in a plane crash in Russia on Saturday.
“In the name of the government and the people of Israel I would like to express our condolences to the police people over the death of President Kaczynski and his wife,” Netanyahu said, opening the weekly cabinet meeting. “I knew him as a friend of the State of Israel. He spearheaded a new page in ties between the Polish people and the people of Israel. His death is a great loss to the Polish people and also to us.” (Roni Sofer)
a GREAT question.. and one that the United States NTSB can fully answer IF they are allowed to lead this investigation
You’re right. Either way it’s a win for Putin. Comies are always the best prepared to take advantage of chaos.
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