Statement by Professor Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament on the tragic plane catastrophe

“This is an unimaginable catastrophe in Europe. Europe has encountered a great loss. Poland is living through an indescribable tragedy. Never before in Europe have so many high ranking persons, democratically-elected by the people, died in a plane crash. They were on duty working on behalf of citizens.With great sorrow I have received the devastating news of the death of my friend and great Polish politician - the President of Poland Lech Kaczyński. We have worked together during tough times for Poland in the opposition in Solidarność and later in democratic Poland during my government.

With great pain I think of the Polish politicians, officials, crew and everyone else who was onboard of that plane. They died in the service of their country on their way to commemorate the thousands of Polish officers killed in Katyń 70 years ago.

As a Pole I am bereaved, in great sorrow and in mourning together with the 38 million citizens of Poland.

As the President of the European Parliament and on behalf of all members of our Parliament I would like to express our condolences and words of sympathy to the families of the persons tragically killed. I express our support to all Polish citizens and the Polish authorities.”

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Background

President Lech Kaczyński together with his wife and delegation were flying to Smolensk for the 70 anniversary of the massacre of Katyń where thousands of Polish officers were murdered by the Soviets in 1940.

Lech Kaczynski was minister of justice in the government led by Jerzy Buzek.