KACZYNSKI: Time to reflect and to act

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By Lech Kaczynski President of the Republic of Poland

On Jan. 20 the new President of the United States of America was sworn in and assumed office, together with his new administration. Congratulating Americans on your election, I wish to note at the same time that I highly value the commitment of former President George W. Bush and his administration as well as their contributions to the development of cooperation between our two countries. During this period Poland remained among the most active allies of the United States, being present with troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. We ended our mission in Iraq towards the end of 2008, continuing to operate in Afghanistan. In 2008, convinced of the need to ensure European security, we signed an agreement with the United States on the deployment of a Missile Defense System component on our territory.

The world entered 2009 carrying the legacy of unfinished business - to name but the most important: the world financial crisis, conflict in the Middle East, fight against terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, ensuring energy security and the issue of counteracting climate change. At the same time we are aware that new issues requiring solutions may also arise. But we begin the new year also full of hope. Though facing up to the known and unknown challenges will be far from easy, it will nevertheless be possible. Most important of all is not to stop in our efforts, and to do everything to make them as effective as possible.

This year will see the anniversaries of historically significant events: international ones such as the 60th anniversary of NATO or the 70th anniversary of the start of World War II, and anniversaries important for Poland - such as 20th anniversary of toppling communism in our country, the 10th anniversary of NATO membership and 5th anniversary of Poland's presence in the European Union. All these anniversaries spur a reflection that strengthens the Poles' conviction that the matter of security, broadly understood - also as energy security - is a fundamental issue, which must be in place before other aspirations may be pursued.

A fundamental condition of ensuring security and resolving many problems of global and regional reach which affect other countries, is international concerted action based on the principle of solidarity. Only such an approach will guarantee success in today's cross-dependent world. Poland, acting on the principle of solidarity, sent her troops to peace missions worldwide - from Africa, Congo and Chad; through the Balkans and Kosovo, Lebanon, Golan Heights, and Iraq; to Afghanistan.

Poland supports development of transatlantic cooperation in many areas, especially regarding security. We realize how great is the responsibility, which rests in this respect on the United States and on Europe. Transatlantic cooperation between the U.S. and Western Europe, spanning economic, political and military spheres, has gained particular significance after WW II, in the face of expansion of the Soviet Union. The end of the Cold War and membership in NATO of new countries from Central and Eastern Europe permitted enlargement of the zone of stability and peace in Europe. Today the future and significance of the alliance are determined by its readiness to integrate with such countries as the Balkan states or Ukraine and Georgia. Security and stability in Europe largely depend on projection by NATO of further areas of freedom, peace and democracy.

In our opinion it is also essential to develop a consistent policy in relations with Russia. Proof of the effectiveness of actions rooted in solidarity was the reaction of the United States and EU member states to the events in Abkhazia and South Ossetia last summer. The events early this year, connected with severance of supply of Russian gas sent to Europe via Ukraine, confirm that a single voice in talks with Russia is too weak and singlehanded action of too little effect.

Poland, with her historical experience in mind and driven in her actions by respect for the principles and idea of defending democracy and freedom (a belief shared with the United States and with European democracies) is interested in enhancing and developing the relationship with the U.S., both bilaterally as well as on a broader plane within NATO and the European Union. Strategic partnership with the United States as well as NATO membership remain key security guarantees for Poland.

This year will also bring the 90th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Poland and the United States after World War I, when Poland regained independence after more than 120 years of enslavement. Over these 90 years the U.S. supported us many a time in difficult moments. We are grateful for support for the "Solidarity" independent trade-union movement in the 1980s. Since the fall of communism in Poland and our country regaining full sovereignty in 1989, allowing us to develop the structures of a democratic state, our relations with the United States have gained a new and deeper nature. Continuing and developing a close and friendly cooperation with the United States is a matter of great importance for our country.

This year will bring elections to the European Parliament and the start of a new European Commission. However, the eyes of the world and of Americans themselves will turn attentively above all to the new U.S. administration taking over now, led by President Barack Obama.

Will these changes determine changes in U.S. foreign policy? Will anything change in the foreign policy of European Union countries? I deeply believe that President Obama and the new U.S. administration will actively take part in international cooperation and will develop close relations with allies, Poland included, in the common effort towards building an orderly and safe neighborhood.

Each year, each month and each day brings and will continue to bring new challenges and new tasks. One thing remains unchanged - the world needs security and stability.

Lech Kaczynski has been president of Poland since 2005. A former child movie actor, he was active in the pro-democracy movement of the 1970s and was a member of Solidarity and a longtime advisor to Lech Walesa. He served in the Polish Senate and Parliament, as justice minister, and as mayor of Warsaw prior to becoming president in 2005.