Yaroslaw Lindenberg: No Reason for Envying Poland over Iraq Zone

Novinite Insider » INTERVIEW | June 24, 2003, Tuesday // 00:00
Yaroslaw Lindenberg: No Reason for Envying Poland over Iraq Zone Photo by Tony Tonchev (novinite.com)

H.E. Yaroslaw Lindenberg has been Poland's Ambassador to Bulgaria since the end of 1998. He has substantial diplomatic experience. Before coming to Bulgaria H.E Linderberg has been Poland's Ambassador to the Republic of Latvia. He is married with three children.

Ambassador Yaroslaw Lindenberg answered questions of Milena Hristova, Editor-in-Chief of novinite.com and The News

Q: Poland recently voted yes to its proposed entry in the EU. Do you support claims that the Poles sounded diffident about what should be a historic moment?

A: I have not heard about such claims. Most of Poles are fully aware that this historical choice will be of a great importance not only for them but also for the future generations. The result of the last referendum in Poland - 78% of its participants voted for the European Union - is unquestionable and leaves no doubt about it.

Q: During his visit to Poland last month, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair said it was better "to be in the EU than out". What will be Poland's priorities once it is inside the EU?

A: For the moment our priority is to be in the EU and to adopt as soon as possible all the necessary European Union's standards, then - to create the best conditions for the absorption of the structural and cohesion funds. Once in the European Union Poland certainly could play a significant role in the eastern policy of the EU. Besides we are deeply interested in having appropriate influence on the decision-making process within the EU. That is why Poland is against the proposal of changing the majority voting system created at the Nice summit.

Q: Should Bulgaria hold a referendum on EU entry?

A: There is no one general rule for everybody. Each candidate country must solve this question according to its own legal system, tradition and social expectations.

Q: By backing US in the Iraq war, Poland confirmed itself as America's friend. How will this affect Poland's prospective clout within the EU? Could there be a conflict between the two?

A: I must recall that in the case of Iraq EU was not unanimous and there were significant contradictions between its member states themselves. EU is not a monolith, it consists of different states with their different interests. It is quite normal. Our position regarding Iraq did not complicate at all our relation with the EU as a whole. Of course, Poland would like to act in favor of good and close cooperation between EU and US. Our geopolitical position and historical experience convince us that our national security depends on US and NATO but economical development and prosperity - mostly on European Union.

Q: What are the preconditions for the successful work of the Bulgarian contingent under Poland's command in Iraq?

A: I do not see any problems for the good cooperation between Polish and Bulgarian soldiers and officers in Iraq. But, of course, the fact that the division under the Polish command there will consist of the troops coming from many countries from Europe, Asia and South America will create some difficulties: technical, organizational and linguistic. However I am optimist.

Q: Do other countries envy Poland for running one of the three military zones in Iraq? Is this justified?

A: Managing a military zone in Iraq imposes on Poland mostly serious responsibility and does not bring any special profits. Our task is to ensure the internal security and stability there and create the conditions for the economical and social rehabilitation of the country. It is a real challenge. I do not see any reason to envy us this mission.

Q: We are all aware of the gap between Bulgaria and EU member states on the one hand and Central European countries on the other. Which were the factors that gave impetus to Poland's economic progress?

A: First of all I must mention the enormous social determination in Poland in the end of communism to change the system and to change the conditions of life. We had also very wise politicians at that time including Prof. L. Balcerowicz, author of such called shocking therapy. But without social consent and social support his reforms would fail. It is probably also the question of our national features, our national tradition and mentality. Poles are very impatient and energetic. We never accepted communism and we used the first opportunity to get rid of it. Besides, our society proved in the difficult times to be very solidary. This solidarity helped also in the beginning of the transformation.

Q: Bulgaria's government has already been for two years in office. Does its work meet your expectations?

A: The last thing a foreign ambassador may do is to estimate in public the government of the country of his accreditation. This question should be addressed to the Bulgarian people.

Q: How do you assess the cooperation of Bulgarian government and society?

A: I'd rather not to answer the question for the same reason. Generally I can only say that in all countries of the developed democracy there are some important instruments to ensure such a good cooperation: independent media and numerous institutions forming such called "civil society". In Bulgaria, however, these institutions are still weak and do not play their role very effectively.

Q: In our previous interview you described Bulgarians as passive and patient. Do you think this has changed over the last year? What do you attribute it to?

A: Unfortunately, I do not observe any significant change in this regard. The general social attitude here is apathy and waiting for the miracles. And what is really sad and potentially dangerous, this is predominant motivation - reflected in the sociological polls - of the young educated people to emigrate from Bulgaria. If they emigrate, who will work for your country? Who will change life for the better?

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