During the upcoming Sejm session, Germany will start negotiations over reparations. They will not be able to dodge this issue any longer, as it harms their public image, stated Deputy Foreign Minister Arkadiusz Mularczyk on RMF FM. The deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that the government is coordinating steps across all channels to evacuate Polish citizens from Israel. He noted that about 250 people remain awaiting evacuation. The discussion also touched on voting overseas and the departure of two generals.
On Wednesday, the Council of Europe hosted a public hearing in Strasbourg about Lord Keen’s report, which proposes creating an international mechanism to settle historical war compensation disputes.
CHECK THE DETAILS: Report on Reparations in the Council of Europe. Will an international mechanism emerge to resolve long-standing disputes?
In the next Sejm term, Germany will sit down for talks
Mularczyk added that there is a strong possibility a debate will occur at the Council of Europe meeting in January and that a resolution may be adopted.
This would establish a mechanism compelling the German state to engage in dialogue with Poland about reparations.
— and when asked when this might become a reality, the deputy minister emphasized: “I am confident this will happen in the next Sejm term.”
He recalled that “for eighty years this issue remained unresolved in Poland, yet within a year we brought it to the international stage.”
I affirm that Germany will begin talks in the next Sejm term because the topic is no longer avoidable or benign for its image. The issue has drawn global attention—America, Canada, the European Parliament, Brussels—and Germany cannot escape Poland’s stance.
— Mularczyk stressed.
There are still about 250 Poles waiting to be evacuated from Israel
The deputy head of the Foreign Ministry was also asked how many Poles still need evacuation from Israel.
So far roughly 750 people have been evacuated. Based on reports received—more than two thousand emails and calls since the Hamas attack began—we know about a thousand Poles sought evacuation. About 250 people remain awaiting departure, according to these figures.
— he noted.
He recalled that from the outset an airlift was launched from Israel to Crete and later to Poland, with Casa and Hercules aircraft deployed.
When asked if Poles living in Israel on a permanent basis could count on evacuation, Mularczyk said that anyone holding a Polish passport or dual nationality would be eligible for evacuation.
There will be specific transport arrangements, and these will be provided on an ongoing basis.
— he pointed out.
Mularczyk was also asked about Poles who live near or inside the Gaza Strip.
The number is significant, with citizens located across various parts of Israel. Polish diplomats on the ground and a contingent of soldiers are directing the evacuation efforts.
— he said.
Asked whether there are ongoing discussions with Israel on this matter, the deputy head of the Foreign Ministry noted, “we are in talks with the Israeli Foreign Ministry.”
Coordination is needed for arrivals and departures from Israel, as rocket attacks continue. Flights proceed in a high-risk zone, but Polish troops and officers are deployed to support the operation.
— he added.
Discussions are also taking place with Palestine and neighboring countries Egypt and Jordan. The aim is to coordinate the evacuation of all Polish citizens.
— he emphasized.
READ ALSO: Our reader’s report on the evacuation from Israel, noting some unusual sky events at high altitudes.
READ ALSO: Operation “Neon.” Another Hercules is en route to Israel. The head of the Ministry of National Defense announced that the fourth military plane with Polish passengers landed in the capital.
Hamas attack on Israel and the Polish evacuation effort
The Islamist Hamas offensive in Israel began on a Saturday. Fighters breached several southern cities, and Israel fired thousands of rockets. By Sunday afternoon, the Israeli army announced extensive airstrikes on targets in the Palestinian Authority, where Hamas is believed to be hiding. Late Sunday into Monday, airstrikes continued in the Gaza Strip.
On Tuesday morning, Zbigniew Rau, the Polish foreign minister, reported on Polish Radio 24 that roughly half of the evacuation work was completed.
“We have evacuated more than 600 Polish citizens so far, and the process is going smoothly. We will also assist our partners in evacuating their citizens,” Rau said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs operates an emergency center that has set up a reporting point to provide information. There are two hotline numbers: in Poland +48 22 523 88 80 and in Israel +972 372 53 111. An email address is also available: [email protected].
READ MORE: War in the Middle East – the latest news
Elections abroad
The Deputy Foreign Minister stated that the Polish government has prepared appropriate conditions for Polish citizens voting in parliamentary elections overseas. He highlighted the creation of more foreign election commissions.
We are prepared for a larger turnout
— emphasized Mularczyk.
In response to concerns about overloading overseas committees and the tight 24-hour voting window, the deputy foreign minister argued that local governments run efficient operations. There are many experienced volunteers, and the number of polling stations has been increased to match demand and prior experience.
He added: “we do our best. The number of polling units is driven by the needs reported by our diplomats and consuls, taking into account historical data and current requests.”
READ ALSO: Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: More than 560,000 Polish citizens registered to vote abroad. We expect 600,000.”
Two generals removed their uniforms before the elections
Arkadiusz Mularczyk also criticized former Chief of the General Staff, General Rajmund Andrzejczak, and former operational commander General Tomasz Piotrowski.
“As a citizen and member of parliament, I am disappointed that two generals removed their uniforms three days before the elections. It is disappointing that high-ranking officers joined a partisan campaign. These actions were coordinated with the opposition, with Donald Tusk claiming many soldiers would resign. This shows Tusk will do anything to undermine the Polish state and government,” the deputy minister said, adding that the two generals “took off their uniforms before the elections.”
READ ALSO: OUR ANALYSIS. Behind the scenes of military changes. Andrzejczak saw himself as equal to the Defense Minister. And even the Palace had had enough.
READ ALSO: Andrzej Potocki: Generals’ Day – reflections after leaving office. They faced serious compliance issues.
olnk/PAP/RMF FM