Kaczynski Farewell

Sad crowds gathered in Krakow yesterday for the funeral of President Lech Kaczynski. Referring to the recent improvement in relations between Russia and Poland . . . the cardinal welcomed President Dimitry Medvedev who was attending the service, and hoped the tragedy could be a force for “rapprochement and reconciliation". Medvedev told reporters at St Mary’s Basilica: “The tragedy that occurred near Smolensk has not left anyone indifferent. In Russia it has sparked strong emotions." He stressed that this tragedy has to lead to a closer Polish-Russian relationship.