Pushing his luck
If President Lech Kaczyński takes part in the upcoming EU summit, it will weaken Poland’s negotiating position according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski. “As Foreign Minister I beg you not to go, not to weaken Poland’s position at this important summit,” Sikorski said on Radio ZET. Moreover, he emphasized that the debate will be devoted mostly to the financial crisis, therefore “the economic and financial competence” of the states taking part will above all be required.
“There are two seats reserved at the table. They will be occupied either by the PM and Finance Minister or by the President. PM Tusk possesses knowledge of the economy and the Finance Minister is a recognized European authority on macroeconomics However, if the President attends, the Finance Minister will not be present at the table, which will be highly disadvantageous for Poland,” he added.
Sikorski also referred to remarks made by the President’s aides who claimed that the situation in Georgia and the Lisbon Treaty will be touched upon during the summit. According to Sikorski, about 15 minutes will be devoted to the Lisbon Treaty. “The Georgia situation will not be discussed at the summit but only during the unofficial dinner for Ministers of Foreign Affairs,” he added. Poland’s Foreign Minister also observed that the President would probably feel uncomfortable being the only head of state at a meeting for Foreign Ministers.
Rzeczpospolita
October 14, 2008 at 7:15 am |
[...] news (see here) that President Kaczyński will also be making his way to the upcoming EU summit comes as a [...]