JERUSALEM: Polish President Kaczynski reiterates his country's unconditional support for Israel

Polish President Lech Kaczynski met the Israeli leadership on Monday (September 11) in Jerusalem during a four-day visit to the region, aimed at encouraging the revival of the long-stalled Middle East peace process. Kaczynski was welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert who thanked Poland for its support for Israel in the international arena. "In most of the instances, not in all, we find Poland standing in the international arena on the right side -- the same side we support," said Olmert during a joint news conference. Kaczynski reiterated Poland's support for Israel and its unconditional recognition of the Jewish state. "Poland recognized Israel and even in the worst times Poland recognized the right for Israel's existence," said Kaczynski. Kaczynski was welcomed by Israeli President Moshe Katsav who praised Poland for its role in enforcing and maintaining peace on the Israel-Lebanon border. "I praise Poland on its readiness to send forces to maintain stability and peace in southern Lebanon," Katsav said. Nearly 1,200 people in Lebanon, mainly civilians, and 157 Israelis, mainly soldiers, were killed in a 34-day war between Israel and Hizbollah guerrillas triggered by Hizbollah's abduction of two Israeli soldiers on July More than 200 Polish soldiers have so far been sent to Lebanon. "Poland will join the UNIFEL forces in Lebanon. We have just announced that we will double the amount and I am not excluding increasing the number that will join," said Kaczynski. Kaczynski later held separate talks with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni in Jerusalem. He is expected to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday (September 13) in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Olmert said on Saturday (September 9) he was ready to resume negotiations with Abbas who on Sunday (September 10) expressed willingness to renew the talks. Negotiations have been almost completely on hold since Hamas, an Islamist militant group whose charter calls for Israel's destruction, came to power in the Palestinian territories in March, after defeating Abbas's more moderate Fatah movement in elections in January.

ITN Source | September 12, 2006

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