Russia wants 'constructive' Poland ties after Duda win
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 25 May 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia wants 'constructive' Poland ties after Duda win, 25 May 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/558bc4c215.html [accessed 22 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 25, 2015
Polish President-elect Andrzej Duda
Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 25 called for "constructive ties" with Poland as he congratulated conservative Andrzej Duda on his surprise presidential victory.
Duda won the May 24 vote by 52 percent to 48 percent, according to an exit poll, scoring a stunning turnaround to oust incumbent centrist leader Bronislaw Komorowski.
Duda's Law and Justice party is close to the Catholic Church, socially conservative, and considered less business-friendly than the governing Civic Platform party.
Putin expressed hope in a Kremlin statement that "the building of constructive ties between Russia and Poland, based on the principles of good neighborly relations and a mutual respect for each other's interests, would help strengthen security and stability in Europe."
Poland has been one of the fiercest critics of Russia over its alleged meddling in Ukraine.
The European Union – of which Poland is a member – and the United States have slapped sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine crisis, with Moscow hitting back with embargoes on Western agricultural produce.
Based on reporting by Reuters and Interfax
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
