- Comunicati stampa della Presidenza del Consiglio della Polonia (Polonia):

* Government to appoint team for aiding Smolensk victim families

10.04.2010

A special session of the Council of ministers was summoned today in the wake of the tragic catastrophe of the presidential Tu-154 plane near Smolensk.

The disaster claimed the lives of the President of the Republic of Poland Lech Kaczyński and his spouse, and of people accompanying them to participate in the commemoration of the anniversary of Katyń Massacre. The number of passengers included marshals of both chambers of the Polish parliament, MPs, senators, high command of Polish defence forces, heads of governmental offices, bishops, employees of the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland, members of the Katyń Family and other associations, and the staff of the Government Protection Bureau. The crew of the Tu-154 plane are also among the 96 casualties.

The session of the government began with a minute of silence to commemorate the victims of the tragedy.

It has been the greatest disaster in the history of Poland, and its dimension is not only human, but also universal and constitutional, said the Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who emphasised that a special governmental team will be established to provide aid for the families of people who died near Smolensk.

The Prime Minister informed members of the cabinet that later today he will depart for Smolensk, to the site of the catastrophe. He added that another session of the Council of Ministers will probably be held after his return.

To commemorate the victims of the tragedy at Smolensk a two-minute silence has been instituted at midday tomorrow, 11th April 2010. There will also be a two-minute silence at midday on the day of the victims’ funeral.

* President Obama expressed condolences for Polish TU-154 airplane victims

10.04.2010

In a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the President of the United States expressed his sorrow following the catastrophe of the TU-154M machine.

President Obama ensured about the support for the Polish nation. “Poles have always been together with the American nation, and today America is with Poland. Poles are present in the hearts of Americans, they are present in my heart, and in the hearts of my family,” the President of the United States said.

*Chancellor Merkel expressed her sympathy expressed her condolences on the airplane disaster in Smolensk

10.04.2010

In a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel expressed her sympathy and deepest condolences because of the tragic disaster of the TU-154M airplane. She also assured about the solidarity with the Polish nation.

Chancellor Merkel informed the head of the Polish government that information that the President of Germany, Horst Köhler, will participate in the funerary ceremony of the president. She also assured that she will make every attempt to participate in the ceremony in person.

> Per maggiori informazioni: Presidenza del Consiglio della Polonia

- Comunicato stampa del Ministero degli Esteri dell’Italia (Italia):

Roma, 10 aprile 2010

Il Ministro degli Esteri Franco Frattini ha appreso con profondo dolore la notizia del tragico incidente occorso quest’oggi in Russia all’aereo del Presidente polacco Kaczynski.

“Sono particolarmente vicino ai familiari del Presidente Kaczynski, alle istituzioni e al popolo polacco, al quale l’Italia è legata da sentimenti di profonda amicizia, ed esprimo loro il mio più sincero e sentito cordoglio ” ha affermato il titolare della Farnesina.

> Per maggiori informazioni: Ministero degli Esteri

- Comunicati stampa della Nato (Belgio):

* NATO Press Release (2010)043: NATO Secretary General expresses deep condolences at death of Polish President - 10 April 2010

NATO Press Release (2010)043 - 10 April 2004

NATO Secretary General expresses deep condolences at death of Polish President

On behalf of all of NATO, and myself personally, I express my most profound condolences to the people of Poland, and to the families of President and Mrs Kaczynski and all those who have died in this terrible acccident. This is a tragedy for them and for Poland. My thoughts are with them today.

* IMS Press Release: Chairman of the NATO Military Committee expresses his deepest sympathies for the loss of the Polish dignitaries and the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces - 10 April 2010

IMS Press Release - 10 April 2010

Chairman of the NATO Military Committee expresses his deepest sympathies for the loss of the Polish dignitaries and the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces

I wish to express, on behalf of the NATO Military Committee, my deepest condolence to the members of the Polish Institutions and Government, its Armed Forces, all of the country’s citizens and the victims’ families, for the tragic loss of President and Mrs. Kaczynski and the entire Polish delegation who perished in this terrible accident.

My personal thoughts go to my great friend and Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, General Franciszek Gagor, who has been an extraordinary and unforgettable member of the Military Committee. And particularly offer my deepest sympathy to his wife Lucyna, to whom my family is very close. This was a tragic loss for Poland and its people. My prayers are with them today.

> Per maggiori informazioni: Nato

- Comunicato stampa dell’Osce (Austria):

Osce Chairperson expresses condolences over plane crash

BRUSSELS, 10 April 2010 - The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Kazakh Secretary of State and Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev, expressed his condolences today to the Polish people and to the families of those killed, including Polish President Lech Kaczynski, in the plane crash near the Russian city of Smolensk.

"I offer my deepest condolences to the Polish people and to the families of those killed in this tragic accident. Our hearts go out to you in this difficult time," said Saudabayev.

> Per leggere la documentazione in originale

- Comunicato stampa del Parlamento Europeo (Belgio e Francia) *

Statement by Professor Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament on the tragic plane catastrophe Warsaw - Saturday, April 10, 2010

"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."

> Per leggere la documentazione in originale

* Il presidente del Parlamento Europeo è un polacco. Il professore Jerzy Buzek.

- Comunicato stampa della Presidenza della Georgia (Georgia):

10 April 2010 / 17:14

The Spokesperson for the President of Georgia Manana Manjgaladze made a statement on the death of Lech Kaczynski

The Spokesperson for the President of Georgia Manana Manjgaladze made a statement on the death of Lech Kaczynski.

As Manana Manjgaladze stated the whole Georgia sympathizes with the Polish people in their sorrow and expresses its condolences to them, because the President of Poland was Georgia’s one of the best friends and supporters. The President of Georgia expresses his deepest sorrow.

“Georgia lost the greatest friend in the international community, Poland and Europe lost the greatest politician.

The President of Georgia lost his personal friend, who cared about Georgia permanently, a person who was in deep love with Georgia, was our country’s supporter and an advisor.

Georgian people must never forget the President of Poland - Lech Kaczynski and his personal contributions. He always stood beside Georgia and cared about our country, he was a very important public figure not only for Poland, but at the same time he was a historic figure for Georgia as well.

His name will be unforgettable for the special heroism that he displayed to defend the interests of Georgia not only in Georgia, but all over the world, for the great historic role that he played for our country, for the devotion he displayed in the days of 2008 war. Georgia seldom had such a great friend throughout our history.

For these very contributions, the President of Georgia issued an order to grant Lech Kaczynski posthumously the Title of the National Hero of Georgia; April 11 to be declared a Mourning Day.

The President of Georgia expresses his condolences to the whole Poland, Polish people and the families of each person who was killed in the crash.

Communications Office of the President of Georgia

> Per leggere la documentazione in originale

- Comunicati stampa della Presidenza della Federazione Russa (Russia):

* April 10, 2010 17:40 / Saturday / Address to the People of Poland

PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA DMITRY MEDVEDEV: Dear friends, dear citizens of the Republic of Poland.

I and all citizens of Russia are shocked by the terrible tragedy that occurred, the death of the President of the Republic of Poland Lech Kaczynski, his wife Maria, and all Polish citizens on board the plane that crashed near Smolensk.

These days we have been holding joint commemorative events at Katyn and together we grieved for the victims of the totalitarian past. Lech Kaczynski flew to Russia to personally pay tribute to the perished Polish officers both as President and as their fellow citizen.

All Russians share your grief and mourning. I promise that all the circumstances of this tragedy will be investigated with utmost care in close collaboration with the Polish authorities. I have given comprehensive orders to this effect to law enforcement agencies.

On behalf of the people of Russia, I want to express my deepest, most heartfelt condolences to the people of Poland, and my empathy and support to families and friends of the victims. Monday April 12, 2010 will be declared a national day of mourning in Russia.

* April 10, 2010 16:00 / Saturday / Dmitry Medvedev had a telephone conversation with Marshal of the Polish Sejm Bronislaw Komorowski, who in accordance with the Polish Constitution is now acting head of state.

The President of Russia expressed his profound condolences regarding the tragic death of Polish President Lech Kaczynski, his wife, and a large Polish delegation in a plane crash near Smolensk.

Dmitry Medvedev informed Mr Komorowski on steps taken in order to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the disaster, noting that the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office and its Investigative Committee have instructions to cooperate closely with their Polish colleagues in investigating the tragedy.

The Marshal of the Polish Sejm thanked Mr Medvedev for his condolences and the prompt measures taken by the Russian authorities. He also called for the establishment of direct cooperation between Russian and Polish agencies in investigating the causes of the crash.

Dmitry Medvedev and Bronislaw Komorowski agreed to stay in close contact.

* April 10, 2010 14:50 / Saturday / Dmitry Medvedev had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk.

The President expressed his sincere and profound condolences in connection with the tragedy that occurred: the death of the President of Poland, his wife, and a large Polish delegation in a plane crash near Smolensk.

Dmitry Medvedev informed the Polish Prime Minister of measures already taken and planned to investigate the crash, and stressed that he has given all necessary orders for a full and thorough investigation of the causes of the tragedy.

Mr Tusk thanked Dmitry Medvedev for his condolences and commended the swift speed with which the Russian authorities have taken concrete steps through the ministries and agencies concerned.

Both sides noted the need for close cooperation in the investigation of the causes of the tragedy and their readiness to engage in such cooperation.

* April 10, 2010 12:05 / Saturday / Dmitry Medvedev was briefed on the crash of Tu-154 airplane near Smolensk.

President Medvedev ordered the establishment of a government commission headed by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to investigate all the circumstances of the disaster.

At the President’s instruction Minister of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief Sergei Shoigu, Transport Minister Igor Levitin, and First Deputy Prosecutor General and Chairman of the Prosecutor General’s Office Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin flew immediately to the crash site.

The Tu-154 airplane flying from Warsaw to Smolensk crashed on its landing approach some 300 to 400 metres off the runway of Smolensk-North military aerodrome. According to data from the Interstate Aviation Committee there were 130 people on board the aircraft. Russian law enforcement agencies have reported that no passengers survived.

Polish authorities confirmed that aboard the plane were President of the Republic of Poland Lech Kaczynski, his spouse Maria Kaczynska, as well as Polish senior officials, politicians and public figures.

President Lech Kaczynski was to make a private visit to the Katyn cemetery near Smolensk, the site of Russia’s first international memorial complex to the victims of totalitarian repression.

> Per leggere la documentazione in originale

- Comunicato stampa della Presidenza della Romania (Romania):

COMUNICAT DE PRESÃ (10 aprilie 2010)

REF: Mesaj de condoleanţe al Preşedintelui României

Preşedintele României, Traian Băsescu, a transmis sâmbătă, 10 aprilie a.c., un mesaj de condoleanţe poporului polonez, în urma tragicului eveniment aviatic produs în cursul zilei de astăzi. Vă prezentăm acest mesaj:

“Am primit cu profundă tristeţe vestea tragediei aviatice în care şi-a pierdut viaţa Preşedintele Poloniei, Lech Kaczyński, alături de numeroşi demnitari şi cetăţeni polonezi.

Comemorarea a 70 de ani de la Masacrul de la Katyn, ceremonie la care urma să participe astăzi Preşedintele Poloniei, adaugă o dimensiune istorică şi simbolică tragediei prin care trece astăzi poporul prieten polonez.

În acest moment de durere profundă, poporul român şi eu însumi ne alăturăm doliului poporului polonez.

Dumnezeu să-i odihnească în pace!”

> Per leggere la documentazione in originale

- Reazione dello Stato Città del Vaticano:

Pubblichiamo di seguito il telegramma di cordoglio del Santo Padre per la morte del Presidente polacco Lech Kaczynski, dei componenti la Delegazione presidenziale e dei membri dell’equipaggio, nel disastro aereo avvenuto questa mattina durante la fase di atterraggio nelle vicinanze dell’aeroporto di Smolensk (Russia):

- TELEGRAMMA DEL SANTO PADRE

Szanowny Pan Bronisław KOMOROWSKI - Marszałek Sejmu Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej - Warszawa

Głębokim bólem napełniła mnie wiadomość o tragicznej śmierci Pana Prezydenta Lecha Kaczyńskiego, jego żony oraz osób, które towarzyszyły mu w drodze do Katynia. Spośród nich pragnę wymienić Pana Ryszarda Kaczorowskiego, byłego Prezydenta RP na uchodźctwie, biskupa polowego Tadeusza Płoskiego, prawosławnego arcybiskupa polowego Mirona Chodakowskiego i ewangelickiego duszpasterza polowego ks. Adama Pilcha. Wszystkie ofiary tego dramatycznego wypadku – parlamentarzystów, polityków, przedstawicieli wojska i Rodzin Katyńskich i inne osoby – polecam łaskawości miłosiernego Boga. Niech przyjmie ich do swojej chwały. Rodzinom tych, którzy zginęli i wszystkim Polakom składam szczere kondolencje i zapewniam o mojej duchowej bliskości. Na ten trudny czas wypraszam dla Narodu polskiego szczególne błogosławieństwo wszechmogącego Boga.

Watykan, 10 kwietnia 2010 r.

BENEDYKT XVI, PAPIEò

- TRADUZIONE IN LINGUA ITALIANA

Ill.mo Signore Bronislaw KOMOROWSKI - Presidente del Parlamento della Repubblica di Polonia - Varsavia

È con profondo dolore che ho appreso la notizia della tragica morte del Signor Presidente Lech Kaczynski, della sua moglie e delle persone che lo accompagnavano in viaggio a Katyn. Tra loro voglio elencare il Signor Ryszard Kaczorowski, l’ex-Presidente della Repubblica in esilio, il vescovo foraneo Tadeusz Ploski, l’arcivescovo ortodosso foraneo Miron Chodakowski e il pastore militare evangelico Adam Pilsch. Affido tutte le vittime di questo drammatico incidente – i parlamentari, i politici, i rappresentanti dell’esercito e delle Famiglie di Katyn, nonché tutte le altre persone – alla bontà di Dio misericordioso. Possa Egli accoglierli nella sua gloria. Alle famiglie dei morti e a tutti i Polacchi presento le mie sincere condoglianze assicurandoli della mia vicinanza spirituale. In questo difficile momento imploro per il Popolo polacco una benedizione speciale di Dio onnipotente.

Vaticano, 10 aprile 2010

BENEDICTUS XVI PP.

> Per leggere la documentazione in originale

- Comunicati stampa dell’Unione Europea (Belgio):

* Statement by Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, on the death of President Kaczyński:

EUROPEAN COUNCIL / THE PRESIDENT / Brussels, 10 April 2010 / PCE 66/10

Statement by Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, on the death of President Kaczyński

Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, made the following statement today on the death of President Kaczynski and several Polish representatives in a plane accident this morning while on their way to a memorial ceremony on Katyn:

"I am deeply upset by the news of the death of President Lech Kaczyński, his spouse and several senior Polish officials and representatives in a plane accident this morning. I knew President Kaczyński personally from several meetings in the European Council and in Warsaw and am saddened by his death. Poland lost a great patriot and head of state. His political commitment was to serve the Polish people.

This accident, which occurred while the Polish delegation was on its way to Russia for the commemoration of the Katyn tragedy, is a terrible loss for Poland. I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the president and of the other victims, to Prime Minister Tusk and to the Polish people. I wish to convey to them the support of the European Union in these extremely painful circumstances."

> Per leggere la documentazione in originale

* Statement by European union High Representative for Foreign affairs and Security policy Catherine Ashton on polish plane crash:

EUROPEAN UNION Brussels, 10 April 2010 / A 55/10

Statement by European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton on Polish plane crash Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security

Policy/European Commission Vice-President, spoke by telephone on Saturday with Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski. She expressed her condolences over the tragic plane crash which claimed the lives of many Polish officials and their families, including President Lech Kaczyński, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Kremer, Military Chief of Staff Franciszek Gagor and Central bank governor Slawomir Skrzypek.

Catherine Ashton told the Polish Foreign Minister: "I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to the people of Poland and express our solidarity with you at this very difficult and sad time. In particular, I want to express my sympathies to the family and friends of those who died."

At the request of the Polish authorities, Catherine Ashton’s trip to Warsaw on Monday, April 12, has been postponed until an appropriate time in the future.

> Per leggere la documentazione in originale

Il Centro Studi Est Europa si sente particolarmente vicino all’intero popolo polacco in quest’ora di indicibile mestizia e confida nei suoi valori fondanti più autentici per continuare l’azione intrapresa da chi è tragicamente perito al fine di costruire una Polonia forte e libera faro per tutta l’Europa.

Dr. Emanuele Gentile

Direttore del

Centro Studi Est Europa

(emanuele.gentile@girodivite.it)