Volcanic ash: Obama cancels trip to Kaczynski funeral | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Volcanic ash: Obama cancels trip to Kaczynski funeral

PTI | By, Washington
Apr 18, 2010 08:33 AM IST

The thickening cloud of volcanic ash over Europe has led US President Barack Obama to cancel his trip to Poland where he was to attend funeral of its President Lech Kaczynski, who died in a plane crash with his wife and dozens of other Polish leaders on April 10.

The thickening cloud of volcanic ash over Europe has led US President Barack Obama to cancel his trip to Poland where he was to attend funeral of its President Lech Kaczynski, who died in a plane crash with his wife and dozens of other Polish leaders on April 10.

HT Image
HT Image

"I spoke with (Polish) acting President Komorowski and told him that I regret that I will not be able to make it to Poland due to the volcanic ash that is disrupting air travel over Europe," Obama said in a statement.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Obama was scheduled to leave Washington last night to attend today's funeral.

"Michelle and I continue to have the Polish people in our thoughts and prayers, and will support them in any way I can as they recover from this terrible tragedy," he said.

"President Kaczynski was a patriot and a close friend and ally of the US, as were those who died alongside him, and the American people will never forget the lives they led," Obama said.

Earlier this week, leaders gathered at the Nuclear Security Summit here began their meeting with a moment of silence in honour of the Polish leader.

"I begin, I want to take this moment once again to acknowledge the terrible tragedy that struck the Polish people this weekend," Obama had said in his opening remarks as leaders of 47 countries sat down at the Washington Convention Centre here for the Summit.

Poland was represented by its Ambassador to the US Robert Kupiecki.

"Mr Ambassador, all of us were shocked and deeply saddened by the devastating loss of President Kaczynski, the first lady and so many distinguished civilian and military leaders from your country," Obama said.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On