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Russia is Poland's greatest concern: President Duda

PR dla Zagranicy
Victoria Bieniek 22.09.2017 08:23
Poland’s greatest concern is Russia, which has broken international rules and invaded two of its neighbours, Polish President Andrzej Duda said at West Point Military Academy in the US on Thursday.
President Andrzej Duda. Photo: www.president.plPresident Andrzej Duda. Photo: www.president.pl

Duda referred to 2017 Russo-Belarusian war games near the Polish border, which he said were being carried out “with no respect for international regulations”.

“It’s no secret that there are many more soldiers taking part in the exercises than the 12,700 declared,” Duda said, according to the PAP news agency, adding that international regulations called for observers to attend when more than 13,000 troops are involved.

Duda also said that nuclear attacks on Polish locations were simulated during 2009 and 2013 editions of the war games.

He added that other Russian war games were used to cover up invasions of Ukraine and Georgia.

Duda accused Russia of trying to undermine unity in the European Union, exporting political corruption, failing to help resolve global crises, and trying to recover its former areas of influence.

Duda also said a number of international players were constantly challenging international order, naming North Korea, Islamic State and Syria.

He called for US leadership and said Poland would help US and NATO security efforts.

Duda also thanked the US, which has a military presence in Poland, for its involvement in security here.

The Polish president also said Poland would increase military spending and modernise its army.

Duda also mentioned energy security and said Poland counted on the US for Liquefied Natural Gas supplies, as Poland aims to reduce its dependence on Russia.

The US sent a one-off shipment of gas to Poland’s Świnoujście terminal in the northwest earlier this year.

US President Donald Trump in Warsaw in August indicated future shipments were on the table.

President Duda travelled to the US on Monday and ended his trip on Thursday. (vb/pk)

Source: PAP

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