Russian-Polish relations improve despite problems

MOSCOW, April 8 (Itar-Tass) -- Russia and Poland will continue to
improve bilateral relations despite existing disagreements, Deputy Foreign
Minister Vladimir Titov said in an interview published by Rossiiskaya
gazeta daily on Friday on the eve of a meeting of the presidents of both
countries.
"I am convinced that despite all difficulties we shall have enough
political will and common sense to continue gradual progress along the
course aimed at making our bilateral relationship genuinely
good-neighborly and partnership. We cannot lose the historic chance to
clear barriers of the past and build forward-looking relations worthy of
the two great peoples," Titov said.
He admitted the air crash that killed Polish President Lech Kaczynski
in April last year near Smolensk aggravated bilateral relations.
"We know about very emotional discussion in Poland triggered by the
report (on the crash reasons) of the Interstate Aviation Committee (MAK).
We understand what complicated feelings are experienced by Polish society,
how it is difficult to accept MAK conclusions. But it would be incorrect
to assess the conclusions of the international organization which the
Russian and Polish sides chose for independent examination in "accept or
reject" categories," Titov said.
Russian and Polish Presidents, Dmitry Medvedev and Bronislaw
Komorowski, will meet in Smolensk on April 11.
"The summit dialogue between Russia and Poland has become very
intensive of late. The contacts promote the formation of a positive
atmosphere in Russian-Polish relations and fill them in with constructive
content in all practical cooperation guidelines. The meeting in Smolensk
will continue the dialogue," Titov said.