Polish president welcomes NATO decision to aid Poland in Iraq

WARSAW (AFP) May 21, 2003
Poland's president Aleksander Kwasniewski on Wednesday welcomed the decision by NATO to examine ways of giving logistical aid to his country to help it administer the zone in Iraq for which it has been given responsibility.

He said it was "an important political decision."

The Polish news agency PAP quoted the president as declaring: "It's a very precious backing. It is good that NATO has decided to give backing to the Polish sector in Iraq."

The president said the decision "shows that the alliance is becoming more and more involved in the stabilisation mision in Iraq, which is an important political decision."

President Kwasnieski's remarks were made during a meeting with the inhabitants of Barzkowice, a village in the northwest of the country, during a campaigning trip before Poland's June 8 referendum on membership of the European Union.

He compared NATO's aid to that given to German troops during their mission in Afghanistan.

"NATO's backing goes beyond simple advice. It will include cooperation in the field of intelligence and logistical support," PAP quoted him as saying.

Representatives from some 15 countries were due to meet in Poland on Thursday and Friday to discuss possible troop contributions to the military force in the Polish-administered sector in Iraq.

During their weekly meeting in Brussels ambassadors from the 19 NATO member states "unanimously decided to task the NATO military authorities to provide advice as soon as possible" on how they can support Poland," NATO secretary general (Lord) George Robertson told reporters.

WAR.WIRE