Polish visas back on US Congress agenda

US Capitol: photo - wikipedia

“Now is the time to stand behind our Polish allies and allow their citizens visa-free travel to the US, a privilege that nearly all of our other close democratic allies have enjoyed for years,” stressed Republican Senator Mark Kirk, in a statement released on his official web site.

Kirk introduced the draft law together with US Representatives Mike Quigley (Democrat) and Aaran Schock (Republican), with the legislation entering both house on Capitol Hill.

President Barack Obama personally endorsed prospective legislation in May 2011, having already promised to drop visa requirements for Poles when Polish president Bronislaw Komorowski visited America in December 2010.

However, draft legislation introduced in late January 2012 failed to bear fruit.

Last October, outgoing United States ambassador to Poland, Lee Feinstein, told Polish Radio that in spite of an apparent lack of headway, “President Obama is very committed to the visa waiver programme for Poles.”

Meanwhile, Poland's ambassador in Washington Ryszard Schneft has told the Polish Press Agency (PAP) that he is “moderately optimistic” about the current bid.

“I know it is a long and complex process, but in spite of that, I'm moderately optimistic,” he said.

“Our main strengths are Poland's economic success, political stability and credibility in our activity in the international arena,” he added.

Besides the potential economic benefits of Polish tourists, Senator Kick stressed that Poland “plays a critical role in NATO military operations in Europe and the Middle East, including on the battlefield in Afghanistan.” (nh)