We tried to advise the president about attending Milosz Zeman's birthday, but the president decided according to his own judgment – said the head of Polish diplomacy, Radosław Sikorki, on “Kropka nad i” on TVN24. – We had reports that Gerhard Schroeder might appear there, we wanted to protect the authority of our head of state against such a lobbyist – he added.
Former Czech President Milos Zeman celebrated his 80th birthday party on Saturday. The guests from abroad included the presidents of Poland, Slovakia and Serbia – Andrzej DudaPeter Pellegrini and Aleksandar Vucic, Prime Ministers Hungarian and Slovakia Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico, as well as former president Czech Vaclav Klaus. “He feels best among his own people. Zeman's birthday, packed with people who are tilted towards Putin and advocate his interests, gathered those who think alike, represent similar values, and dream of a similar model of the state,” commented Krzysztof Brejza, MEP of the Civic Coalition.
Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski said on Monday that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised President Duda against attending Zeman's birthday.
Sikorski: I personally talked to the president about it
Sikorski spoke more about this case in “Kropka nad i” on TVN24.
– We tried to advise the president, but the president decided according to his own judgment – said Sikorski.
When asked whether the presidential office had asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for advice on this matter, Sikorski replied: – There were talks at the level of deputy ministers. I also personally talked to the president in New York (a session of the General Assembly was held there UN – ed.) We had reports that Gerhard Schroeder (who worked for the Russian energy sector – ed.) might appear there. And we wanted to protect the authority of our head of state against such a lobbyist.
– Nothing major happened. The president could have spared himself the controversy, Sikorski continued.
When asked whether this situation is harmful to the authority of the president and the entire country, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: – No exaggeration. I think the controversy could have been avoided.
– In Poland, the president does not conduct foreign policy. The president represents the foreign policy formulated by the Council of Ministers, which means that, according to the constitution, the president should speak in accordance with the views of the Council of Ministers, even if he does not agree with them, because his role is to represent, not to conduct policy, he noted.
To the comment that although the party was private, participation in it could make a bad impression, Sikorski replied: – Let's leave it alone.
Sikorski a candidate for president? “The mother party will decide”
Sikorski was also asked whether he could be the Civic Coalition's candidate for president.
– I believe that Poland needs a president who will ensure the country's security and will be able to distinguish between state and party interests. Civic Platform there are several such candidates, he said.
When asked if he would like to run as a candidate, he replied that “the mother party will decide.” At the same time, he said that it would be better if the entire government coalition put forward one candidate. – Well, then there is a chance of maybe even winning in the first round, or at least of winning against the candidate PiS in the first round – he added.
Sikorski: We appeal not to go to Lebanon
Sikorski was also asked about the tense situation in Lebanon in connection with the threat of a full-scale conflict with Israel.
– For several weeks now, we have been calling on people not to go to Lebanon unless it is absolutely necessary to stay in this country, (we are appealing – editor) to leave it. So we would like to ask our compatriots to be responsible. This is not the place to be at the moment, he emphasized.
Sikorski a candidate for president? “The mother party will decide”TVN24
Main photo source: TVN24