SENATE SPEAKER BORUSEWICZ: U.S. CAN COUNT ON

C O N F I D E N T I A L WARSAW 000015 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/CE E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/31/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV PL SUBJECT: SENATE SPEAKER BORUSEWICZ: U.S. CAN COUNT ON POLAND IN AFGHANISTAN Classified By: Ambassador Feinstein for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY. In his first meeting with Senate Speaker Bogdan Borusewicz (Civic Platform, PO),Ambassador Feinstein heard that the Speaker believes that U.S.-Polish relations had entered a new phase and stressed that the United States could "count on Poland" in Afghanistan. "It is immensely important that neither NATO nor the United States lose the war," said Borusewicz. "While we do not have interests in Afghanistan, we realize Polish engagement is an investment in our own security. By supporting our Allies, we support NATO and strengthen our own security." END SUMMARY. POLAND SUPPORTS U.S. AF/PAK STRATEGY ¶2. (C) Borusewicz, a former Deputy Interior Minister and Solidarity trade union activist, said that while Poland would prefer a clear end date for Polish troops, "Poland had entered Afghanistan with NATO and would depart with NATO." Borusewicz welcomed the new U.S. Afghanistan strategy, especially its emphasis on the non-military aspects of the campaign. He supported the U.S. strategy of engaging Afghanistan's neighbors, including Russia, China, and Iran. He also welcomed the attention to Pakistan in the President's strategy. NATO - OPEN DOOR AND CONTINGENCY PLANNING ¶3. (C) Borusewicz stressed that NATO has played an essential role in improving Polish security and in promoting regional stability, which is why Poland would like to see other countries join. He also expressed hope that NATO would soon address weaknesses in contingency planning, by developing plans for allQlies and ensuring plans are supported with adequate resources. ENERGY SECURITY ¶4. (C) Borusewicz said that energy security had been the subject of animated discussion within the EU. He expressed concern that the EU would continue to be strongly divided on the subject even after the Lisbon Treaty becomes effective, due to fundamental differences in the way member states define energy security. The U.S. voice is extremely important, Borusewicz said, especially given the use of natural resources as an element of foreign policy pressure. ¶5. (C) COMMENT: Borusewicz did not relate anything new regarding official Polish views, but his strong endorsement of the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan and NATO's Open Door policy signaled continuing support for GOP policy within Parliament. END COMMENT. HEIDT