The new German ambassador to Poland, Viktor Elbling, gave his first interview. In an interview with “Rzeczpospolita” he said that regardless of the election results, “Europe and Germany need a strong Poland.” But when asked about reparations, he replied that “from Germany’s point of view the question of reparations is closed.” Responding to these words, the Deputy Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, emphasized that Poland’s position on this issue is different.
Champagne corks popped in Berlin?
The diplomat was asked whether champagne corks popped in Germany after the announcement of the election results in Poland. Elbling stated that everyone was happy with the high turnout, which ‘Poland is rightly proud of’.
Moreover, as before the elections, Germany still wants to work closely with its Polish friends to face common challenges for the well-being of Europe. And this is completely regardless of the election outcome. Europe and Germany need a strong Poland
said the ambassador.
When asked whether “Poland has shown Germany how to defeat populism,” Elbling said that populism is a threat to democracy, and that populists still find supporters despite crises, and that the common goal in the EU is to to stop.
The diplomat also said that “Poland’s accession to the European Union, the twentieth anniversary of which we will celebrate next year, was a very happy event for Germany.”
During the few months I spent in Poland, I saw a country that considers itself European and wants to help shape Europe.
– he said.
Reparations? Case closed
The diplomat was also asked about reparations made by Germany to Poland for World War II. Elbling said Germany still bears “political and moral responsibility for the terrible crimes committed in Poland,” but “from Germany’s point of view, the issue of reparations is closed.”
We will of course make every effort to alleviate the suffering of the victims as much as possible, which has been achieved through numerous initiatives in recent decades, including for the Polish victims. However, it is also extremely important for us to preserve the memory of the victims and the losses suffered by Poles. We will also continue the dialogue with the new Polish government on possible initiatives in this area. From Germany’s point of view, the issue of reparations is closed
– said the German ambassador to Poland.
The deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responds
Arkadiusz Mularczyk, deputy head of the Polish Foreign Ministry, commented on the German ambassador’s statement. In a message posted on Twitter / world war.
He recalled that a similar call was included in the resolution of the Council of Ministers of April 18, 2023, regarding “the need to settle in Polish-German relations the issues of reparations, compensation and compensation for losses” as a result from the war. and German occupation.
I am also not aware of any current German action that could alleviate the suffering of the wounded during World War II. Poland still calls for a dialogue on reparations, compensation and compensation for the consequences of aggression and destruction that Poland suffered during the Second World War!
– Mularczyk emphasized on Twitter/X.
Viktor Elbling has been Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Poland since September 2023. He replaced Thomas Bagger in this position.
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wkt/Twitter/X/RP.pl
Source: wPolityce