Defence Minister Bogdan Klich has denied reports that a decision to increase Poland’s troop deployment in Afghanistan has been taken by the government.
On Friday, media informed that after a request by the US command in Afghanistan, Poland will send 600 soldiers to the Ghazni province in the spring of 2010. The news reportedly came from the Defence Ministry and Chancellery of Prime Minister in Warsaw. But Minister Klich says no such decision has been taken.
“There is no such decision, nor plans,” said Bogdan Klich.
The defence minister added that currently there are 2,000 Polish soldiers in the Ghazni province and the contingent will not be enlarged unless it is absolutely necessary. He did confirm, however, that 200 soldiers would be going to Afghanistan to be held in strategic reserve in case of emergencies.
Klich’s announcement contradicts a statement by the US embassy in Warsaw. This weekend, US ambassador to Poland, Lee A. Feinstein announced that both President Lech Kaczynski and Prime Minister Tusk had told him that reinforcements would be sent to Afghanistan. “The President and PM declared that not only would they be keeping Polish soldiers in Afghanistan, but they would also enlarge the contingent. This is something for which we are very grateful,” said Feinstein.
President Kaczynski’s office said this morning, however, that no detailed plans had been sent by the defence ministry on the issue and it was far too early to take such a decision.
Minister Klich revealed this morning that a review of Poland’s part in the mission in Afghanistan is being prepared by the Foreign Ministry and will later be presented to Prime Minister Donald Tusk. (mg)