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“Poland has always tried to increase US military participation in its territory.” It is not our intention to achieve this goal at the expense of reducing the US contingent in Germany, “the Polish prime minister told BNS.
“Negotiations to increase the number of US troops in Poland are proceeding as planned, and I think the result will be impressive,” said the Polish prime minister.
A year ago, the presidents of the United States and Poland agreed to deploy an additional 1,000 soldiers in Poland, but Reuters recently reported that an agreement had not yet been reached on where the troops would be deployed, what their legal status would be, and what part of the project would than to finance Poland.
The American newspaper The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month that the President of the United States, Donald Trump, had instructed the Pentagon to have a permanent contingent in Germany, currently with 34.5,000 soldiers. soldiers, reduced by 9.5 thousand. Soldiers This led to rumors that some of these troops could be deployed to Poland.
Morawieckis responded to BNS questions in writing after a visit to the Lithuanian-Polish border on Friday, where he and Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis announced the renunciation of border controls.
Morawieckis said there were currently no opportunities for a live interview due to the coronavirus situation and the tense electoral campaign in Poland.
– Prime Minister on Friday, together with S. Skvernelis, reopened the Lithuanian-Polish border. What are your expectations? What impact will this have on economic cooperation, person-to-person contacts?
– We return to our excellent daily cooperation in many areas. Cooperation means trade, reciprocal visits, as well as the flow of tourists. We return to the normal rhythm of life. President Lech Kaczynski and President Valdas Adamkus set a good example of how Poland and Lithuania can achieve more. And it happens
– In March hundreds of Lithuanians were stranded on the German-Polish border, when their government refused to allow them to return home through Poland in their cars, and special ferries were arranged to transport the Lithuanians. Some critics in Lithuania called it humiliation. Would you do the same if the second wave of the new coronavirus arrived?
– We actually closed borders due to coronavirus. We could not allow more cases of the virus to be transmitted to Poland. The situation required very quick and decisive action. I imagine it was difficult for some people to get home. However [COVID-19] The number of cases in other European countries was counted in thousands.
The Lithuanians, who failed to cross the border in time, were directed to the columns, accompanied by the Polish police, to avoid compulsory quarantine in Poland and return to their homeland. We have spoken to Prime Minister Skvernel several times in the past few months in an attempt to tackle challenges in a balanced way.
Hopefully, the second wave of coronavirus, if it will, will pass much more easily. Now our countries are well prepared to fight it. Good practice, public health measures and a European approach to supply chains can help reduce the total number of infections.
– The United States ambassador recently announced that negotiations to increase the United States military presence in Poland are ongoing. Does this increase involve hundreds or thousands of additional troops? Is there still talk of establishing a “short base”?
– Poland has always tried to increase the military participation of the United States in its territory. Achieving this goal at the expense of reducing the US contingent in Germany is not our intention. The eastern wing of the North Atlantic Alliance is an important component of the transatlantic community. We are convinced that maintaining strong ties is beneficial not only for Poland but also for Europe as a whole, including Germany. Negotiations to increase the number of US troops in Poland are proceeding as planned, and I think the result will be impressive.
– Do you want to deploy American troops near the Suwalki corridor?
– Security in our region has always been a high priority for us. We can achieve this goal in cooperation with NATO. We are pleased that our actions contribute to the strengthening of the eastern wing of NATO, guaranteeing not only the security of our citizens but also the strengthening of regional solidarity. Solidarity, which is the guide to build future alliances and fair international relations.
– The Polish oil company PKN Orlen plans to acquire Lotus, but the European Commission has opposed this. What impact can this transaction have on the refinery operated by Orlen in Lithuania?
– The merger of Orlen and Lota is a necessary stimulus not only for the business future of the merged companies, but also for the common energy security of Poland and Lithuania. This will serve the interests of both retail customers and local communities. We need growth-oriented investment now more than ever, and the consolidated player will be able to do more.
– In what other areas do you see opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation?
– I firmly believe that our cooperation also has great prospects for economic, commercial, cultural and other cooperation in the European Union. This would not be possible without such good cooperation with Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis, President Gitanas Nausėda and our President Andrzej Duda.
– What does Poland want from the EU Recovery Fund? What measures would you consider completely unacceptable? Are you looking for a joint coalition with the Visegrad countries and the Baltic States?
– Poland advocates ambitious measures and rapid implementation to restore the economies of the Member States, return to a path of rapid growth and increase economic resilience. Time is a vital factor. Throughout our history of European integration, the need for European determination has never been so great. The current crisis is an important turning point in the history of the Community. Today, we really need to stimulate economic growth, and I have tried to convince all my colleagues from V4 (Visegrad Four) and B3 (Baltic countries) that this can create a strong incentive for investment in our region.
– The Lithuanian Prime Minister said on Friday that his government will petition the EU court for new road transport rules, which provide for the forced return of trucks to the country of registration every eight weeks, and expressed his hope that Poland will join the complain. Would you go to an EU court if the Mobility Package is finally approved?
– Of course, I hope that all the leaders of Central and Eastern Europe can demonstrate our unity and interest in this matter. The new rules would lead to less competition in the single market, legal uncertainty and an increased negative impact of the transport sector on the environment. In particular, given the consequences of the pandemic situation, we must not commit ourselves to removing Polish and Baltic transport companies from the Community market. The solutions proposed in this project are detrimental to the market, especially due to protectionist measures.
– On Friday, you said that you fully supported Lithuania’s position at the Astrava nuclear power plant. The Baltic countries have not yet found a common position on the power embargo on electricity from the power plant. What is the position of Poland? Would you consider abandoning plans for the undersea cable if you see the risk of Astravo power entering the single market?
– Energy is an essential area for our countries, therefore, the attitude of Poland and Lithuania on this issue is similar. We understand and support Lithuania’s concerns about the construction of a nuclear power plant in Astrava. However, we must not forget economic and political cooperation with Belarus, which is vital for both countries.
– A video conference of the EU Eastern Partnership is scheduled for June 18. What result do you expect? Is this problem still viable?
– Last year we celebrated the tenth anniversary of the Eastern Association. Poland supports the Eastern Partnership countries on a development path through government programs and the activities of non-governmental organizations. We will continue our efforts to strengthen democratic governance, the development of civil society, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as economic reforms to strengthen their integration with the EU and its Member States.
– In recent years, Poland and the Baltic states have repeatedly criticized Russia for attempts to falsify history and minimize Soviet crimes. Do Russia’s statements about history affect its current policies? How?
– We must not allow a situation to arise in which the executioner is presented as a victim. The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact provides direct evidence that preparations were being made for a joint aggression against Poland, to share influence and occupy its Baltic states: Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. As a result, millions of citizens have suffered massive repression. Today, the Russians are still testing our European solidarity, as evidenced by other Russian actions, such as air intrusions and maritime territories.
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