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Coordinates: 54°49′31.19″N 32°3′10.28″E / 54.8253306°N 32.0528556°E / 54.8253306; 32.0528556
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On 10 April 2010, a [[Tupolev Tu-154|Tupolev Tu-154M]] aircraft, belonging to the Polish Goverment, '''crashed''' just north of [[Smolensk]], Russia, killing Poland's [[President of Poland|President]] [[Lech Kaczyński]] and other officials, including the Chief of the [[General Staff of the Polish Army]] and senior [[Polish Armed Forces|military]] officers, the [[National Bank of Poland|central bank]] governor, [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Poland)|Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs]] and dignitaries in the [[Government of Poland|government]], vice-speakers and members of the [[Senate of the Republic of Poland|upper]] and [[Sejm of the Republic of Poland|lower]] houses of the [[National Assembly of the Republic of Poland|parliament]] and senior members of [[clergy]] of various [[religious denomination|denominations]], on their way to mark the 70th anniversary of the [[Katyn massacre]].<ref name='cnn'>{{cite news | title=Polish president killed in plane crash | date=2010-04-10 | publisher=[[Turner Broadcasting]] | url =http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/04/10/poland.president.plane.crash/index.html?hpt=T1 | work =CNN | accessdate = 2010-04-10 }}</ref>
On 10 April 2010, a [[Tupolev Tu-154|Tupolev Tu-154M]] aircraft, belonging to the Polish Goverment, '''crashed''' just north of [[Smolensk]], Russia under suspicious circumstances, killing Poland's [[President of Poland|President]] [[Lech Kaczyński]] and other officials, including the Chief of the [[General Staff of the Polish Army]] and senior [[Polish Armed Forces|military]] officers, the [[National Bank of Poland|central bank]] governor, [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Poland)|Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs]] and dignitaries in the [[Government of Poland|government]], vice-speakers and members of the [[Senate of the Republic of Poland|upper]] and [[Sejm of the Republic of Poland|lower]] houses of the [[National Assembly of the Republic of Poland|parliament]] and senior members of [[clergy]] of various [[religious denomination|denominations]], on their way to mark the 70th anniversary of the [[Katyn massacre]].<ref name='cnn'>{{cite news | title=Polish president killed in plane crash | date=2010-04-10 | publisher=[[Turner Broadcasting]] | url =http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/04/10/poland.president.plane.crash/index.html?hpt=T1 | work =CNN | accessdate = 2010-04-10 }}</ref>


The cause of the crash is under investigation, only preliminary information is available, and the information from the recovered black boxes has not yet been examined. According to reports based on comments of flight controllers on the ground, the pilot attempted four times to land at [[Smolensk (air base)|Smolensk-North air base]] in heavy fog, ignoring the advice of the ground control to divert to a safer airport in [[Minsk]] or [[Moscow]]. On the fourth attempt the plane struck trees {{convert|1.5|km|mi|1}} from the airfield and broke into pieces across the wooded area.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, only preliminary information is available, and the information from the recovered black boxes has not yet been examined. According to reports based on comments of flight controllers on the ground, the pilot attempted four times to land at [[Smolensk (air base)|Smolensk-North air base]] in heavy fog, ignoring the advice of the ground control to divert to a safer airport in [[Minsk]] or [[Moscow]]. On the fourth attempt the plane struck trees {{convert|1.5|km|mi|1}} from the airfield and broke into pieces across the wooded area.

Revision as of 07:52, 11 April 2010

Polish Air Force Tu-154 crash
Tupolev Tu-154M at Zagreb Airport, during President Kaczyński's visit to Croatia in Feb 2010
Accident
Date10 April 2010[1]
SummaryUnder investigation[1]; suspected terrorism[2]
Site1.5 km (0.9 mi) short of runway at Smolensk-North air base[3]
54°49′31.19″N 32°3′10.28″E / 54.8253306°N 32.0528556°E / 54.8253306; 32.0528556
Aircraft
Aircraft typeTupolev Tu-154
Operator36 SPLT, Polish Air Force
Registration101
Flight originFrédéric Chopin Airport,
Warsaw, Poland
DestinationSmolensk Military ("Smolensk-North") air base
Smolensk, Russia
Passengers88
Crew8
Fatalities96 (all)[4]

On 10 April 2010, a Tupolev Tu-154M aircraft, belonging to the Polish Goverment, crashed just north of Smolensk, Russia under suspicious circumstances, killing Poland's President Lech Kaczyński and other officials, including the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Army and senior military officers, the central bank governor, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and dignitaries in the government, vice-speakers and members of the upper and lower houses of the parliament and senior members of clergy of various denominations, on their way to mark the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre.[5]

The cause of the crash is under investigation, only preliminary information is available, and the information from the recovered black boxes has not yet been examined. According to reports based on comments of flight controllers on the ground, the pilot attempted four times to land at Smolensk-North air base in heavy fog, ignoring the advice of the ground control to divert to a safer airport in Minsk or Moscow. On the fourth attempt the plane struck trees 1.5 kilometres (0.9 mi) from the airfield and broke into pieces across the wooded area.

All 96 passengers and crew aboard died[4], making this one of the deadliest disasters in Polish history and the most deadly aircraft disaster worldwide since the crash of Caspian Airlines Flight 7908 in July 2009.[6]

Accident

Flight map

The 36th Special Aviation Regiment's Tupolev Tu-154M[7] carrying the Polish President Lech Kaczyński crashed at 10:56 MSD, (08:56 CEST, 06:56 UTC),[8] near the village of Pechyorsk, just north of Smolensk, Russia that Kaczyński was due to visit to mark the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre.[8] The plane took off at 07:23 GMT + 1 from Warsaw Frédéric Chopin Airport, carrying 88 passengers and 8 crew;[citation needed] the presidential aide Zofia Kruszyńska-Gust fell sick just before the trip and did not board the plane. However early reports were confused on the numbers.[9]

The crash occurred in fog (500 m (1,600 ft)* visibility) about 1.5 kilometres (0.9 mi) from the Smolensk North airfield,[10] 300 to 400 metres (980 to 1,310 ft) off the landing path,[11] after the pilots attempted a go-around.[12]

About an hour before the crash, the Yak-40 also bellonging to the Polish government jet[13] carrying Polish journalists from the president's pool landed at the airbase without incident,[14] but when the presidential plane arrived the base was closed because of thick fog and the pilot was advised by flight control to land in Moscow or Minsk; however he decided to continue with the original flight plan and the crash occurred on the fourth approach after three failed attempts.[15][16] The cause of the crash was initially attributed to crew error, and investigators and criminal law experts were dispatched to the crash site.[17][18][19]

The Governor of Smolensk Oblast, Sergey Antufyev, confirmed that there were no survivors in the crash. The plane, reported to have been flying at a very low altitude, clipped trees and crashed into the ground, then caught fire.[8] Russian state television reported that the jet crashed about a kilometre short of the runway on its fourth attempt to land in heavy fog, shortly before 11 a.m. GMT + 3. Pictures from the scene showed parts of the airplane charred and strewn through a wooded area. Some pieces, including one of the wheel wells, were upside-down.[8]. The Russian rescue workers later recovered the body of Polish President Lech Kaczynski. Russian news agency Ria Novosti quoted an unnamed senior official at the site of the plane crash in the western Russian city of Smolensk. He offered no further details but said work remained to identify many of the bodies. Some of the identification would need DNA analysis. Russian Prime Minister Vladmir Putin said that bodies of those killed in the crash will be brought to Moscow for identification. [20]

Investigation

Within hours after the crash, the President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev announced the establishment of a special commission for the investigation of the accident. The commission will be supervised by the Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.[21][22][23] An Investigation Committee of the Prosecutor General of Russia started a criminal case in accordance with a "violation of the safety rules" of the Russian Criminal Code.[24]

Putin and Medvedev promised Polish prime minister Donald Tusk they would work closely with Poland in investigating the crash. Initial signs pointed to an accident, possibly due to the fog that is very common in the area in spring and fall, as well as pilot error.

Around 13:53 GMT + 1 on the day of the crash, the recovery of the first "black box" flight recorder was confirmed by Sergey Shoygu, the Russian Minister of Emergency Situations. The second was found at about 15:45 UTC.[25] At 21:48 it was reported that the recordings confirm that the pilot was making attempts to land against the advice of air traffic controllers.[26]

Preliminary data indicated that the plane hit the treetops as it was making the approach to the airport in poor visibility, the ITAR-Tass agency quoted Marina Gridneva, an official with the Russian general prosecutor's office.[27]

Initial theories

Pilot ignoring advice from air traffic control

A mission control operator told Reuters anonymously "The pilot was advised to fly to Moscow or Minsk because of heavy fog, but he still decided to land. No one should have been landing in that fog."[28]

Alexandr Aleshin, the First Deputy Chief of the Main Staff of the Russian Air Force, said that the plane increased its descent rate and went below the glide slope 1.5 km (0.93 mi) from the runway. Controllers instructed the pilot to abort the approach; when he did not, controllers advised the aircraft to return to the reserve landing point. This order was repeated several times but the crew continued with the approach and crashed.[29]

There is a speculation that the pilot tried to land repeatedly against controller's advice because of pressure from the delegation, eager to make the important ceremony.[30] The President had not been invited to the joint Russian-Polish event that had happened three days earlier, which was attended by the Prime Ministers of Poland and Russia. In August 2008, the pilot of Kaczyński's plane was threatened with dismissal when he refused to land in Tbilisi during the South Ossetian war between Georgia and Russia.[31]

On 23 January 2008, a Polish military plane with senior officers crashed under similar landing conditions.[32] Improper crew selection, bad weather and pilot distraction were cited as the major causes as inexperienced pilots, trying to see the ground, failed to notice the plane's losing altitude.[33]

Lack of instrument landing system

The Smolensk-North, a former military air base now in mixed military-civilian use, does not have an instrument landing system[34] that would make a landing in dense fog a routine operation; the military cargo airplanes operated out of it can land and take-off without ILS, with only basic landing support in normal mode.

History of the aircraft

The aircraft, Tupolev Tu-154M construction number 90A837, was manufactured at Kuibyshev aviation plant (№18) on 29 June 1990 for the Polish Air Force.[35]

Several hours after theories about the weather and pilot error were floated, the BBC reported that questions about the 20-year-old aeroplane were being raised: "in late 2008 Kaczynski had suffered a couple of scares. Problems with the aircraft's steering mechanism delayed his departure from Mongolia, forcing him to take a charter flight to Tokyo. (...) However, the aircraft had recently undergone a major overhaul and Aleksey Gusev, the head of the maintenance plant that carried out the work, told Polish TV that it should not have had technical problems."[36] According to a Polish military magazine the airplane was serviced in December 2009 at the manufacturer and received 5-year/7500-flight-hour warranty; the crash happened just after 138 flight hours.[37] Paul Duffy, an expert on Russian aviation, stated in 2004 that in 28 crashes of the Tu-154 up to then, few were due to technical failure, and the hull-loss rate was normal for the number in service, the number of years it has been operated, and for the technology of the aircraft.[36]

Political aftermath

According to the Polish Constitution, on the President's death his duties were taken on by the Marshal of the Sejm (chairman of the lower house of the parliament) who became Acting President of Poland.[38] Within a fortnight, he must announce the date of popular presidential election to be held within a further 60 days on a weekend, i. e. latest on 20 June. Lech Kaczyński was up for re-election in late September or 2-3 October, before the end of his first five-year term.[39].

Despite the deaths of the president and numerous officials, the crash is not expected to impair the activities of the Polish government, since no cabinet ministers were aboard the plane. However the Polish Armed Forces were dealt a severe blow, since all of their senior commanding officers were killed; their duties were automatically taken over by respective deputy commanders, following standard contingency plans for such a situation.

The commemoration of 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre was split up because of the political conflict between the Liberal government of prime minister Donald Tusk and Conservative president Kaczyński.[40] On 7 April, Tusk along with government officials and members of his Civic Platform party went to Katyn[41] on invitation from the prime minister of Russia, Vladimir Putin.[42] The official commemoration, organized by Polish Council for the Protection of Struggle and Martyrdom Sites, was scheduled on 10 April. Nevertheless, both ruling coalition and opposition were represented on the plane, with 6 and 8 members of the Sejm, as well as 1 and 2 of the Senate, respectively, some of them well known in Poland. Many passengers were actively opposed to Tusk's policies, including:

The Marshal of the Sejm Bronisław Komorowski had previously been announced as the Civic Platform's candidate in the presidential election.[50]

Reaction in Poland

Crowds on the Royal Route, Warsaw

The Polish public reacted with shock and grief to the disaster. Almost immediately after the news broke, mourners assembled before the Presidential Palace in Warsaw to lay hundreds of tributes, including flowers, wreaths, and candles. Elsewhere in Warsaw, Poles taped black ribbons to their front windows. It was reported that many villages, such as Gorzno, were practically deserted while their residents stayed home to watch coverage of the tragedy on television. Komorowski, as acting president, called for a two-minute moment of silence on 11 April, and formally declared a national week of mourning.

In Kraków, the Sigismund Bell of the Wawel Cathedral was tolled by twenty monks.

Former president Aleksander Kwaśniewski told TVN24 that “It is a cursed place. It sends shivers down my spine. First the flower of the Second Polish Republic is murdered in the forests around Smolensk, now the intellectual elite of the Third Polish Republic die in this tragic plane crash when approaching Smolensk airport.”[51]

According to the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk: "The contemporary world has not seen a tragedy of such proportions".[52]

Former Polish Prime Minister Leszek Miller, who had himself suffered injuries in a helicopter crash while in office, said that Poland's aircraft were known to be in need of replacement. "I once said that we will one day meet in a funeral procession, and that is when we will take the decision to replace the aircraft fleet," he said.[53]

Reaction in Russia

Dmitry Medvedev and Vladimir Putin in church
Dmitry Medvedev addresses people of Poland (transcript in English).

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin expressed their condolences to the acting President and speaker of the parliament, Bronislaw Komorowski.[54] 12 April 2010 will be a national day of mourning in Russia.

Chairman of International Committee of the State Duma Konstantin Kosachev said that "Katyn claimed yet more victims". Chairman of the State Duma Boris Gryzlov has expressed condolences.[55]

Russians and tourists in Moscow and Kaliningrad went to Embassies of Poland with flowers and candles [56].

Notable passengers

On board were the military joint chiefs of staff (army, air force, navy), the central bank governor, a deputy foreign minister, head army chaplain, head of the National Security Office, deputy parliament speaker, Olympic Committee head, head civil rights commissioner and at least two presidential aides and several national lawmakers, the Polish foreign ministry said. Kaczynski's wife, Maria, also died.[57]

International response

A great many countries and international organisations have expressed sorrow and condolence to the people of Poland over the crash.

Countries

State Response
 Afghanistan Afghan President Hamid Karzai expressed his deep sorrow and condolence over the sudden death of Polish President and his entourage on Saturday.[58]
 Albania Albanian President Bamir Topi expressed his deep sorrow for the loss of President Kaczyński.[59] Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha, Parliament Speaker Jozefina Topalli and opposition leader Edi Rama also sent their condolences to the Polish People.
 Algeria The party's general secretary has Workers' Party (Algeria) Louisa Hanoune, sent his condolences to the families and offered them support.[60]
 Argentina Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner said: "the Argentine people and government accompany the families of the victims and the great Polish nation in their anguish."[61]
 Armenia Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and RA Parliament Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan sent a letter of condolences to Polish Sejm Marshal Bronislaw Komorowski.[62][63]
 Australia Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd offered his condolences to the people of Poland. "Members of the Australian Polish community, along with people from around the world, will be mourning the loss of the president and so many other innocent lives," Mr Rudd said in a statement on Sunday.

"The Australian government expresses its deepest condolences to the Polish government and people following this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with them."[64]

 Austria President Heinz Fischer expresses his condolences in a written statement to the families of the victims and the people of Poland.[65]
 Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev sent a telegram and expressed his deepest condolences to Polish people.[66]
 Belarus President Alexsandr Lukashenko has "expressed his sincere condolences to the Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland ... following a plane crash in Smolensk Region of Russia that killed dozens of Polish citizens among whom was President Lech Kaczyński of the Republic of Poland".[67]
 Belgium Prime minister Yves Leterme and foreign minister Steven Vanackere have sent a message of sympathy to the people of Poland. In a joint press statement they spoke of the Belgian Government’s shock at the death of the Polish President Lech Kaczynski in a plane crash in Russia.

"In the name of the Belgian Government and in our own name we would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Polish Government, the Polish people and the families of the victims”.[68]

 Bosnia and Herzegovina Prime Minister of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, sent his condolences to Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of Poland, saying "All of us in Republika Srpska are deeply shaken with the news of the death of the President Kaczyński as well as all other passengers. On behalf of the Government of Republika Srpska and in my own name and on behalf of all citizens of Republika Srpska I express my deepest condolences to you and the families of the plane crash victims".[69]
 Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva declared three days of mourning for the death of the President of Poland.[70]
 Bulgaria Prime Minister Boyko Borisov noted that his country was mourning along with Poland. "Poland has lost an outstanding statesman, who until his last hour remained connected with the Polish idea, and the fate of Poland", Bulgarian Prime Minister says in a statement.[71]
 Canada Governor General Michaëlle Jean and the Consort General commented that "we wish to extend our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. Our thoughts are with Canada’s Polish community, which is in shock and which we know had great affection and admiration for President Kaczynski."[72] Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed his profound sadness Saturday over the deaths of Poland's president, his wife and several senior officials. "On behalf of the government of Canada and all Canadians, I wish to express my deepest sympathy, and my sincere condolences, to the government and people of Poland on this very sad day," the statement added.[73]
 China Chinese President Hu Jintao sent his condolences to Bronislaw Komorowski over the death of Polish President Lech Kaczyński. Hu said in the message that he was shocked and grieved to learn of the death of Kaczynski and his Polish state delegation in a plane crash in the Russian city of Smolensk. "On behalf of the Chinese people and in my own name, I express my deep condolences to President Kaczynski and all other victims, as well as sincere sympathies to their families and the Polish people," Hu said. Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi also sent their condolences to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski over the plane crash.[74]
 Colombia Colombian President Alvaro Uribe Velez sent the following message "We send a message to the people of Poland, the Polish authorities, to voice our heartfelt condolences over the death a few hours ago, in a plane crash of President Lech Kaczynski, his wife Mary and a delegation of the Government of Poland and the polish Armed Forces.

We accompany the great Polish people in this hour of tragedy. Feel the affection of the people of Colombia and I invite my fellow Colombians to observe a minute of silence to express the affection for the people of Poland, solidarity in this day of mourning.

We accompany with all our hearts the brotherly people of Poland"[75]

 Croatia Foreign Minister Gordan Jandroković expressed condolences and said that Croatia shares grief of Polish people as it joins prayers of all victims' families.[76]
 Czech Republic President Václav Klaus expressed his condolences and said that he lost a true friend (Lech Kaczyński). Klaus said that "Czechs are in shock and saddened about this tragedy.[77]
 Denmark Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen expressed his condolences: "It is with sadness that I have received notification that a large number of people have lost their lives in the tragic plane crash. My thoughts go out to the bereaved and to the entire Polish people".[78]

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lene Espersen has also condolences to his Polish colleague. "President Kaczynski will be remembered as a significant and respected politician, both as a participant in the Polish struggle for freedom against communism and served as president of the Polish people", she said.[79]

Also the Danish royal couple has responded to the disaster. Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik have sent their condolences to the Polish parliament.

 Ecuador Vice-President Lenin Moreno expressed his condolences: "In the name of my government and country Ecuador, I wish to express my deepest sympathy, and my sincere condolences, to the government and people of Poland."[80]
 Estonia President Toomas Hendrik Ilves expressed his condolences: "News of the tragic loss of the Polish Head of State and one of Estonia’s closest friends brings emptiness to my heart and at the same time brings back fond memories of our friendship. I recall our phone calls in April 2007, when president Kaczyński supported Estonia during those difficult days, or August 2008 when we flew together to Tbilisi to support the democratically elected government of Georgia and to condemn the aggression towards that country."[81]
 Finland President Tarja Halonen extended her deep condolences on behalf of the people of Finland and on her own behalf to the families of the victims and the people of Poland.[82]
 France President Nicolas Sarkozy paid tribute to Kaczyński in a statement: "a man driven by ardent patriotism, who dedicated his life to his country."[83]
 Georgia The spokesperson for President Mikheil Saakashvili extended deep condolences on behalf of the people of Georgia to the families of the victims and the people of Poland. Kaczyński was posthumously awarded the Order of the National Hero of Georgia and April 11, 2010, was declared a mourning day in Georgia. Kaczynski "will always be remembered as absolutely outstanding figure of Polish history, of European history and certainly of the history of my region," President Saakashvili said.[84][85]
 Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel sent a letter of condolence to Donald Tusk to express her regret.[86] Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle stated: "Kaczyński was a bright and energetic dialogue partner. We grieve with the Polish people. We are losing a character Europe could build upon."[87] According to a journalist, Westerwelle was so moved by the disaster that he had to interrupt his speech to the press on the deaths for a short time.[87]
 Greece Prime minister George Papandreou expressed to the prime minister of Poland via telegram "In these difficult times, the Greek government, and personally me would like to express our condolence to the all the families of those who we lost, and to the nation of Poland as well. We share your bereavement. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you".[88]
 Hungary President László Sólyom offered condolences at the Polish embassy in Budapest.[89] Prime Minister Gordon Bajnai sent a telegram expressing condolences to Prime Minister Donald Tusk and former Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński, the brother of Polish President Lech Kaczyński: "All members of the Hungarian government and the people of Hungary have been deeply saddened learning about this tragedy. The loss is ours even more in the knowledge of the friendship Hungary has nourished with Poland".[90] Leader of the opposition and former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that Hungary had lost true friends.[91]
 Iceland President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson sent, on behalf of the Icelandic people his deepest sympathies: "At this time of sorrow our thoughts are with the families and relatives of those who died as with all Poles, especially those who have shared their resources with the people of Iceland for many years".[92]
 India President of India Pratibha Patil condoled the death of Polish President Lech Kaczynski and others in a plane crash and said in his loss India had lost a friend who was committed to strengthen bilateral relations between two countries. In her condolence message to Marshall Speaker of the Sejm (Upper House) Bronislaw Komorowski, the President said, "I am deeply shocked and saddened by the news of the death of President Lech Kaczynski, Madam Kaczynski and others in a plane crash today.

"I warmly recall my meeting with President Kaczynski during my visit to Poland in April last year. President Kaczynski was a true friend of India and was personally committed to strengthening bilateral relations between our two countries."

At this sad moment, India shares Poland's grief, the message said.[93]

 Indonesia President of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has expressed condolences over the Polish President's death.[94]
 Iran Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast expressed his condolences on Saturday over the heartfelt incident and extended sympathy to the bereaved families.[95]
 Ireland President Mary McAleese extended her "heartfelt sympathy and that of the Irish people".[96]

Taoiseach Brian Cowen: "On my own behalf, and on behalf of my Government, I wish to extend our sincere condolences to the Polish Government and the people of Poland for their huge loss arising from this terrible tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at very sad and difficult time"[97]

The island of Ireland has a significant Polish population.[98] The Polish community of Northern Ireland held a vigil at Belfast City Hall on 10 April 2010 and President Kaczyński will be remembered at a Mass at St Anthony's Church in East Belfast on 11 April 2010.[99] The Polish community of Ireland has also held vigils to mourn the loss of President Kaczyński.[100] Candles and flowers were laid outside the Polish Embassy in Dublin and the Dominican Champlaincy on Dorset Street, Dublin held an afternoon vigil, while the Polish Ambassador to Ireland, Tadeusz Szumowski, will go to 12:30 Mass at St Audoen's Church on 11 April 2010.[101]

 Israel President Shimon Peres sent a letter of condolence to the Polish people saying that "Israel is shocked by the grave disaster and bemoans the loss along with the Polish people and the entire world. The announcement that the Polish President, his wife, and dozens of top Polish officials died in the crash struck us with pain, shock and disbelief, Israel bows its head in sorrow and shares in your loss and grief."[102] Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman extended condolences and said that Kaczyński was a true friend of Israel.[71]
 Italy Prime minister Silvio Berlusconi said: "It is a grave loss that has stricken a friendly country and in which I am sharing in with my heart.".[103]

President Giorgio Napolitano said: "I wish to express on the behalf of myself and the Italian people our most sincere sympathies to the bereaved."[104]

 Japan Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama sent a telegram and expressed his deepest condolences to Bronislaw Komorowski and the Polish people.[105]
 Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev expressed his condolences.[106] Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev also expressed his condolences.[107]
 Kenya President Mwai Kibaki has sent a letter of condolence.[108]
 Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu expressed "deep grief" on behalf of himself and "the people and institutions of the Republic of Kosovo."[109]
 Latvia President Valdis Zatlers has written to Bronislaw Komorowski, president of the Polish Parliament, to express his deepest condolences. The President was writing on behalf of himself, Mrs Lilita Zatlere, and the people of Latvia.[110]

Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis and Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Latvia have sent condolence letters.[111]

 Lithuania Lithuania is preparing for official day of mourning for the death of the President of Poland.[112] Three days of mourning are declared in Lithuania[113]
 Luxembourg "In these dramatic and painful moments, allow me to express my deepest sympathy and to join, on behalf of the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and on my own behalf to the mourning of the Polish people", said Prime minister of Luxembourg Jean-Claude Juncker.[114]
 North Macedonia President Gjorge Ivanov sent a telegram with deepest condolences and states that this tragedy is a big loss for both the Macedonian and Polish people.[115] The Macedonian minister for Foreign Affairs stated that "Macedonia shares the pain with the Polish people"[116] In the main Catholic church "Holy Hearth of Jesus" in Skopje has held a special mass in memory of the president, where a large number of the Macedonian politicians attended.[117]
 Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed sends condolences to the Acting President of Poland.[118]
 Malta President George Abela and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi expressed their condolences. President Abela said that President Kaczynski was a very respected Head of State and one of the architects of modern Polish history. He will be sorely missed. Also the two main political parties, Partit Laburista and Partit Nazzjonalista, issued messages of condolences.[119]
 Mongolia President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj offered his and the Mongolian people's commiserations to Bronisław Komorowski as well as the families and friends of the deceased, saying that President Kaczyński, his wife, and all who perished were friends of the Mongolian people, and that the Mongolian people would always remember the contributions they made to improving the friendship between Poland and Mongolia.[120]
 New Zealand Acting Prime Minister Bill English offered his condolences. Acting Prime Minister Bill English said that it was a tragic event and the New Zealand Government had sent a message of condolence to the Polish Government and the people of Poland[121]
 Netherlands Demissionary Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende was shocked and horrified and said it was "a black day for Poland".[122]
 Norway Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said: "It is with sadness I have received the message of the tragic demise of Poland's President Lech Kaczynski. My thoughts go to the Polish people and to all of those who have lost loved ones in this tragic accident." He also noted that Norway and Poland have close cooperative ties in NATO and in the EU through EEA.[123]

King Harald V of Norway sent a telegram to the Polish National Assembly, which stated: "I was shocked and saddened by the news of the terrible plane-accident today that caused the death of your president HE Lech Kaczynski, his wife, and so many persons from Poland’s public life and other citizens of Poland. On behalf of myself and the Norwegian people, I wish to convey to you and to the people of Poland my heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences."[124]

 Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his deep grief and shock over the tragic death of Polish President Lech Kaczynski and his wife. The President in a message to the Polish government and the Polish people said he was shocked to know about the crash of President Kaczynski’s plane, while landing in the western Russian city of Smolensk. The President expressed his grief over the death of President’s wife and others who lost their lives in the crash.[125]
 Peru Peruvian Minister of Foreign Affairs José García Belaúnde expressed condolences to the Polish people after the fatal crash: “We are shocked by the death of president Kaczynski and express our solidarity and affection for this outstanding jurist and figure of the Polish democracy". The minister also said flags in public buildings will be flown at half-mast in mourning and that President Alan García has signed a letter expressing grief and solidarity with the Polish people[126]
 Portugal The Portuguese President Aníbal Cavaco Silva said: "Mr Acting President and Chairman of the Sejm, It was with deepest regret that I received, this morning, news of the tragic death of President of the Republic of Poland and his Wife. We had, in recent years, the opportunity to meet several times. I recall in particular the State visit I made to Poland, at his invitation, in September 2008 and the warm and friendly way that myself and my wife were welcomed by the presidential couple. We knew about his commitment to the visit to Portugal that would take place in May, together with his Wife, that we waited with much anticipation. I recall President Kaczynski as a personality who has made a major contribution to consolidating democracy and the rule of law in his country and for the construction of the modern Poland, integrated in the European Union. In this difficult time, I want to express to the authorities, the people of Poland and to the bereaved family, on my behalf and on behalf of the Portuguese, the feelings of our deepest sympathy."[127] In an address to the Portuguese media, President Silva also express his sorrow and reminded that the Polish President was set to visit Portugal in May of 2010. He also mentioned that President Lech Kaczyński was a great man and did everything he could to make Poland a better country.[128]
 Romania The Romanian President, Traian Băsescu, stated that he had "received the news of the tragedy with profound sadness [...]". He also added that "in this moment of deep pain, the Romanian people [...] joins the Polish nation in mourning".[129]

The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it "expresses its deep regret about the aviation disaster in which President Lech Kaczynski lost his life, together with other Polish public figures. In this tragic moment, we convey our condolences and solidarity with the bereaved families and the entire Polish people."[130]

 Serbia Serbian President Boris Tadić expressed his deepest condolences in the name of the Serbian people saying that "The tragedy that occurred, in which President Lech Kaczyński and other state officials lost their lives, has effected us deeply" adding that Kaczyński was a true friend of Serbia and that he would never be forgotten.[131] Prime Minister Mirko Cvetković, President of the National Assembly Slavica Đukić Dejanović and Minister of Internal Affairs Ivica Dačić also expressed their condolences.[132]
 Singapore President S R Nathan and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have sent condolences to Polish leaders to convey their sympathies to the government and people of Poland over the tragic death of Polish President Lech Kaczynski, his wife Maria, and many others who were killed in a plane crash earlier on Saturday. President Nathan wrote to Polish Marshal of Parliament Bronislaw Komorowski, saying he was 'deeply shocked' over the 'unexpected tragedy'. 'Our hearts go out to all the families of the bereaved and the people of Poland as you mourn their loss,' he said in his condolence letter. Separately, PM Lee wrote to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to convey Singapore's deepest condolences. 'Our thoughts are with your people, especially those who lost their families and loved ones, during this sorrowful time,' said Mr Lee.[133]
 Slovakia President Ivan Gašparovič expressed his condolences and said that "It's shocking and beyond belief. We were personal friends with Mr. President. I still do not believe that it happened".[134]
 Slovenia President Danilo Türk was deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Polish President Lech Kaczyński's death in plane crash.[135] Prime Minister Borut Pahor has expressed his condolences to Poland at the death of their President.[136]
 South Korea South Korean President Lee Myung-bak expressed his condolences to Prime Minister Donald Tusk about the tragic loss of the president and others.[137][138]
 South Ossetia South Ossetian President Eduard Kokoity has sent a telegram to Bronisław Komorowski, saying "I express my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims, and the entire Polish people."[139]
 Spain Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero expressed in a telegram his condolences and described the death of the Polish president as an irreparable loss.[140]
 Sweden Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt expressed his condolences in an official statement.[141]
 Syria President Bashar al-Assad have sent condolences to the Speaker of the Lower House of the Polish Parliament.[142]
 Switzerland Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey expressed her condolences in an official statement.[143]
 Republic of China (Taiwan) The Economic and Cultural Office Taipei, Republic Of China (Taiwan) in Poland sents the condolecence to Polish people on behalf of the President Ma Ying-jeou, Vice President Vincent Siew, Premier Wu Den-yih and the Foreign Minister Timothy Yang.[144]
 Turkey President Abdullah Gül sent a letter of condolence to the Acting President Bronisław Komorowski saying that he "deeply regrets having to lose dear friend President Lech Kaczynski and his honorable spouse Maria Kaczynski, together with the high-level Polish officials. Mr. Kaczynski's absence will be felt all the time, the Turkish people remember him with love, respect and the fostering of our country. We share this great pain of our friends and allies of Poland in our hearts."[145] Prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed condolences to the people of Poland and Russian Federation and he said that "We hope that was an accident. I want to express my condolences in the name of myself and in the name of the Turkish nation".[146]
 Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych expressed his condolences.[71]
 United Kingdom Queen Elizabeth II has sent her "deepest sympathy" to the Polish people.[147] Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the "whole world would be saddened" by the death of Kaczyński.[148] Opposition leader David Cameron released a statement, saying ""Well its absolutely tragic news this and everyone’s first thoughts will be with the family and the friends of all those who died in what seems to have been absolutely tragic event. I knew President Kaczynski and he was a very brave, Polish patriot, someone who stood up for freedom, who suffered hugely under communism but always stood up for his beliefs and for his great faith in his country. And it’s a huge loss it’s a very black day for Poland indeed and we must be thinking of all those who’ve suffered in this terrible event.”[149]
 United States President Barack Obama called the death of Kaczynski and other senior government officials "devastating to Poland, to the United States, and to the world" and said that "Today, there are heavy hearts across America. The United States cherishes its deep and abiding bonds with the people of Poland. Those bonds are represented in the strength of our alliance, the friendships among our people, and the extraordinary contributions of Polish-Americans who have helped to shape our nation." in a statement released by the White House.[150]
 Vatican City In a telegram sent by the Secretary of State of the Holy See Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone to Bronisław Komorowski (Acting President of the Republic of Poland) Pope Benedict XVI expressed his sadness and solidarity with the Polish people.[151]

International organizations

Organisation Response
 European Union
European Parliament
Jerzy Buzek of Poland the President of the European Parliament, expressed his condolences.
The European Conservatives and Reformists Deputy Chairman Timothy Kirkhope MEP and Jan Zahradil MEP, Vice-President said: "We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of President Kaczynski and those onboard the plane, and to the Polish people who mourn the loss of so many public servants and dignitaries. The Polish people have lost a great man who played a pivotal role in the nation's history, helping to bring an end to the dark days of Communism. He played a major part in the post-Communist reconstruction of democracy and freedom in Poland. While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his remarkable achievements during a lifetime of service to his nation."[152]

European Commission

José Manuel Barroso of Portugal, the President of the European Commission said: "I express my deep condolences to Poland for the passing away of President Kaczyński, his wife and all those with them under such tragic circumstances on their way to mark the 70th anniversary commemoration of the Katyn massacres. I have worked very closely with President Kaczyński, in a spirit of loyalty, and I respected in him a very determined Polish patriot who at the same time was very committed to our European Union and to the values of freedom and solidarity. The European Commission joins me in this moment in the expression of sympathy and tribute."[153]
Catherine Ashton of the United Kingdom, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, expressed her condolences to Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski. She told Sikorski: "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."[154]
European Council
Herman Van Rompuy of Belgium, the President of the European Council, said: "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." He added: "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."[155]
European Central Bank
Jean-Claude Trichet of France, President of the European Central Bank expressed his "sincerest condolences to the families of all the victims of this terrible accident" on behalf of the ECB’s General Council, the ECB’s Executive Board and in his personal capacity. He said his thoughts are with the people of Poland and "The General Council of the ECB deeply regrets the loss of its highly esteemed member, Mr Sławomir Skrzypek, President of Narodowy Bank Polski. We will remember Sławomir as a good friend and a dedicated professional, who made valuable contributions to the work of the General Council.”[156]
International Monetary Fund International Monetary Fund Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn issued statement that he is shocked and saddened by this terrible news and that IMF thoughts and deepest condolences are with the people of Poland[157]
File:Interpol logo.png Interpol INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble expressed his condolences to people of Poland on behalf of the world police community[158]
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen stated: "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 accident. This is a tragedy for them and for Poland. My thoughts are with them today."[83]
UEA UEA General secretary of the World Esperanto Association Osmo Buller expressed his condolences[159]
 United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was shocked and extended his deep and heartfelt condolences to the people of Poland and the families of those who perished. Ban said President Kaczyński had served his country and people with distinction and conviction. He called the fact that he was en route to an event marking a new level of reconciliation between Poland and Russia particularly poignant.[160]
OECD Secretary General of OECD José Ángel Gurría expressed his condolences[161]
OSCE OSCE Chairperson-in-Office expressed his condolences[162]
FIFA FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter expressed his sadness and said "On behalf of the worldwide football family, I have extended my condolences and deepest sympathy to the Prime Minister of Poland, the President of the Polish Football Federation, the Secretary General of the Polish Olympic Committee at this harrowing time, and wish them strength and fortitude for the challenging days that lie ahead." The flag of Poland as well as the flags of FIFA and UEFA have been lowered to half-mast at the home of FIFA.[163]
UEFA UEFA president Michel Platini has expressed his sadness at the death of Poland's president Lech Kaczyński and Polish government officials. Mr Platini said: "I was shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic accident. I wish to express my support at this difficult time to our football partners the Polish Football Federation and its president Grzegorz Lato, with whom we are preparing the organisation of UEFA Euro 2012 together with the Polish government."[164]
File:World Bank Logo.svg World Bank World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick expressed his condolences to Poland[165]

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See also