Andrzej Duda: I do not share this position Prime Minister Donald Tusk
The president was asked during Tuesday’s conference regarding the prime minister’s words that “the waiver of reparations forced by history does not change the fact how many tragic losses in people, property and territories Poland suffered as a result of the German attack.”
– I do not share the position that Polish authorities, be it communist authorities or any other authorities, have ever effectively waived the right to claims and compensation for the wrongs we suffered during World War II. – said Andrzej Duda. He added that “he does not believe that the resignation or waiver of claims was made legally effective”. – If the Prime Minister agrees with the German position that there has been some kind of waiver, then I will say this: I do not agree. – stated the president. He also emphasized that Poland has been waiting “for a long time” for an adequate and dignified commemoration of the war victims in Berlin.
Consultations between Poland and Germany
On Tuesday, the first intergovernmental consultations between Poland and Germany since 2018 were held at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister in Warsaw. After consultations, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that Germany would try to implement support for survivors of the occupation. He added that a place to commemorate Polish victims of World War II would be established in Berlin.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that talking regarding righting wrongs should build good relations and should never once more become the subject of diplomatic war. He added that there are no amounts that would compensate Poland for the losses resulting from the German attack.
– In the legal sense, the problem of reparations has been described in government decisions and treaties, but one can draw different consequences and conclusions from what it actually means. It is important for me that today I heard words and declarations that confirm the common belief in Polandthat the waiver of reparations, forced by history, does not change the fact how many tragic losses in people, property and territories Poland suffered as a result of the German attack, Tusk said.
– If we hear today that Germany, not in the context of reparations, is ready to make decisions that can compensate those who were direct victims of the war, (…) that Germany is ready to take joint responsibility for the security of the continent, because looking to the future this would be the most credible action for me (…), These are steps and signals in the right direction. However, whether this will in any way compensate for the losses that Poland suffered during World War II is of course not – admitted the head of the Polish government.
Source: Radio ZET/PAP
