Germany trying to avoid paying war reparations: Polish ruling party boss

His comments came after German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel reportedly rejected claims voiced in Poland that Berlin should pay reparations.

Gabriel was cited by Der Spiegel as saying that demands for damages were an "attempt to worsen the close and good ties which have developed between Germany and Poland over the years."

Kaczyński told reporters on Monday that Gabriel's comments "are an attempt by the Germans to wriggle out of what is an act of justice."

"If reparations are paid, it will simply be an act of justice," Kaczyński said, adding: "The Germans do not want to pay."

"We have a long battle ahead of us. I hope that we will be victorious," said Kaczyński, the head of Poland’s ruling conservative Law and Justice party.

Prime Minister Beata Szydło said earlier this month that Poland deserves reparations from Germany for the huge losses it caused in World War II, but indicated her government has not yet made a final decision on pressing claims.

(pk)

Source: PAP