Poland slams US for aid shortage

[CHIMO]

A senior Polish defence official has criticised the United States for failing to provide enough military aid to Poland, which has 2500 troops in Iraq.

Deputy Defence Minister Janus Zemke told the International Herald Tribune in an interview published on Monday, that his country's troop contribution to Iraq has prevented it from financing modernisation of its armed forces.

Other countries in the "coalition of the willing" which sent small numbers of troops to Iraq had received similar funding to that of Poland, Zemke complained.

"We raised the issue of financing with the Pentagon. Frankly, I can't fathom in terms of the multinational funding for Iraq, why Poland is on a par with countries" with much smaller troop contingents there, he said.


http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/6CF278F7-1A2B-4A8F-884F-08D2917DB9F5.htm

Maybe they should apply as contractors?

[gmoney]

1. Bush forgot Poland?

shocker!

[Zorra]

10. Bu$h forgot Poland!

[bullimiami]

2. poland, meet the bush mafia.

surprise!

[Carla in Ca]

3. Holy shit...he really DID forget Poland!!!!

This is curtains for * if we keep up the outrage.

<http://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/10/18/94314/129>

[Journeyman]

4. What? He forgot to PAY Poland?. . .

Oh, yeah. These are solid allies, in it for the greater good.

[billyoc]

5. Bush's "Budget Man(?)" figured out it's cheaper

To add them to the "coerced" column, and remove them from the "bribed" column. Nothing personal, Poland, it's just bidness.

[proud patriot]

6. LOL looks like bush forgot poland

:D

[Ima]

7. Polish got paid/bribed by US

http://www.usinfo.pl/releases/docs/01_09_03.htm

A U.S. delegation led by Lieutenant General Tome Walters was in Warsaw 8-9 January to meet Polish officials and discuss the next steps in Poland's acquisition program of 48 F-16 multirole fighters, manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The delegation included representatives of various U.S. agencies that will play key roles in helping the F-16 meet the future combat requirements of the Polish Air Defense and Air Force.


The Polish government announced the selection of the U.S. F-16 in a tender on December 27, 2002. Elements of the winning package included the most advanced U.S. weapons, training by the U.S. Air Force, long-term support and an outstanding economic offset, offering a blend of investment, transfer of the latest technology, exports, and marketing assistance for Polish products. The United States government will also provide a loan to finance the purchase. The choice of an American aircraft will significantly strengthen already excellent U.S.-Polish military and political cooperation.

[ze_dscherman]

14. Much to the anger of the EU

Right before joining the EU (meaning getting huge subsidies), the Polish purchased U.S. arms. The European politicians and its arms industry were not amused.

[burrowowl]

8. Well

they are getting what they deserve.
LOL!

[JP Belgium]

9. A coalition of mercenaries ??? (n/t)

[Morning Dew]

11. Can they take it out in trade from Queen Victoria?

:)

[LynnTheDem]

12. Poland's president calls bush a LIAR.

"They deceived us about the weapons of mass destruction, that's true. We were taken for a ride."

http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2004/s1069242.htm

bush, of course, doesn't mention this. Wonder why.

[tuvor]

13. Those who didn't join the 'coalition' turn green with jealousy. n/t