Poland calls for EU to press Russia to return Smolensk plane wreck

Smolensk plane wreck, April 2010: photo - Włodzmierz Pac/PR

The plane which crashed near the military airport in Smolensk killing all 96 people on board, including president Lech Kaczynski, on 10 April 2010 still remains in the custody of Russian investigators.

Foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski called on EU diplomacy chief Catherine Ashton to raise the issue during next week’s EU-Russia summit.

“Since bilateral channels of communicating with Russia have not produced effects, we are forced to refer the problem to an international level and will be patiently pressing the issue,” Sikorski told reporters on Tuesday.

He added that “Poland is hoping that Russia will finally recognize the wreck is no longer needed for examination and can be handed over to Poland.”

Last week, Sikorski raised in talks with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov during a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council.

Minister Lavrov declined to name any specific date for the return of the presidential plane wreck to Poland, however.

“This gives ground for serious discontent on our side, “ Sikorski commented.

Law and Justice (PiS), the largest opposition party in Poland and led by Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the twin brother of the late president, has questioned whether Sikorski's request has been made officially or unofficially.

Mariusz Blaszczak, who leads Law and Justice in parliament, said that he “does not take the statement seriously” “adding that “this is more to do with Sikorski giving the impression he is doing something”.

Law and Justice is calling on Prime Minister Donald Tusk to make a formal request to President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso for assistance in returning the wreck to Poland. (ss/pg)

source: PAP/IAR