US: US Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry made a late bid yesterday for the support of the 10 million Americans with Polish roots, hailing their ancestral homeland as a vital friend and bridge between the US and Europe, writes Daniel McLaughlin in Budapest
In an interview with leading daily newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza - which was reprinted in the main Polish language journal in the US - he sought to repair damage done when he criticised President Bush for failing to forge a broad coalition in Iraq, where Poland has been one of Washington's staunchest allies.
"I am grateful to Poland for seeking to play the role of a bridge between America and Europe during these difficult times and for still believing in our common values," Mr Kerry said. "We honour the contributions of Polish troops in Iraq."
He pledged to remember Warsaw if he wins and oversees the rebuilding of Iraq from the White House. "America must give its allies a large role in stabilising Iraq. In economic matters, this would entail giving our tested friends, such as Poland, a share of multibillion-dollar reconstruction contracts."
Mr Kerry promised to try and eliminate US entry visas for Poles and citizens of the other new members of the European Union and NATO - potentially a major vote winner among large émigré communities in key battleground states like Wisconsin and Ohio.
After his first televised debate with Mr Bush, Mr Kerry came under fire from Polish President Alexander Kwasniewski for allegedly playing down the contribution of 2,500 Polish troops in Iraq.
"It is simply immoral to overlook this involvement," Mr Kwasniewski said. "President Bush behaved like a real Texas gentleman, which means he fought to show appreciation of other countries in this coalition."