Brown, Cameron pay tribute to Polish president

Saturday, 10 April 2010 12:00 AM

By Aled Thomas

The prime minister has paid tribute to the Polish president who was killed today in an air crash.

Lech Kaczynski was killed earlier this morning, along with his wife, when his aeroplane went down just outside Smolensk in Russia.

Gordon Brown said: "I think the whole world will be saddened and in sorrow as a result of this tragic death of plane crash.

"We know the difficulties that Poland has gone through - the sacrifices that he made as part of the Solidarity movement. We know the contribution he made to the independence and freedom of Poland.

"We also remember a family in mourning, large numbers of people who've died and a whole country that will be shocked and saddened by what's happened."

Conservative leader David Cameron said: "It's absolutely tragic news. Everyone's first thoughts will be with the family and friends of all those who have died in what seems to be an absolutely tragic event. I knew Mr Kaczynski.

"He was a very brave Polish patriot, someone who stood up for freedom, who suffered hugely under communism but who always stuck up for his beliefs and for his great faith with his country.

"It's a huge loss, it's a very black day for Poland indeed. We should be suffering for all those who have lost people in this terrible event."

Reports from Moscow say at least 87 people have been killed, and it is not known if there are any survivors

Mr Kaczynski was due to visit the city of Smolesnsk to mark the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre; during which Russian soldiers killed 22,000 Polish prisoners of war 70 years ago.

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