ACCESSION
NUMBER:346530
FILE ID:NEA505
DATE:05/27/94
TITLE:U.S. OFFICIALS PRAISE POLISH DIPLOMAT FOR SERVICE IN BAGHDAD (05/27/94)
TEXT:*94052705.PFN 05/27 texts:pelletreau/ryan/piekarski award/bg nh as kf
*NEA505 05/27/94
U.S. OFFICIALS PRAISE POLISH DIPLOMAT FOR SERVICE IN BAGHDAD
(Texts: Pelletreau, Ryan remarks at Piekarski ceremony) (710)
Washington -- Following are the texts of remarks made by Assistant Secretary
of State for Near Eastern Affairs Robert Pelletreau and Assistant Secretary
for Consular Affairs Mary Ryan, at the May 27 State Department ceremony
honoring Ambassador Jan Piekarski, the Polish diplomat who headed the U.S.
Interests Section in Baghdad following the Gulf War:
(BEGIN PELLETREAU TEXT)
At a time when there are so many unhappy things going on in the Middle East,
it is a real pleasure to be here with some good news. We have with us
today Ambassador Jan Piekarski, who has just left his posting as head of
the U.S. Interests Section in Baghdad.
From his first day on the job in July 1991, Ambassador Piekarski stood guard
over U.S. interests in Iraq with courage and aplomb during a period marked
by open hostility and confrontation in our bilateral relations. Under the
best of circumstances, Ambassador Piekarski's job would not have been easy.
The circumstances were far from the best, yet he consistently performed
superbly whether in safeguarding Americans who found themselves in trouble
or streamlining the administration of the Interests Section to make it more
efficient and cost-effective.
Last year, Ambassador Piekarski's name became a household word in the
Department because of his handling of the case of imprisoned American Ken
Beaty. Through seven difficult months, which included our strike on the
Iraqi Intelligence Headquarters, Ambassador Piekarski carried on, acting as
counselor to a distraught prisoner, his family and employer, and diligent
reporter to the Department.
During this same period, when another American got himself into a
potentially very serious standoff with Iraqi authorities, Ambassador
1iekarski personally gave him shelter at his residence, and ensured that
everything was resolved smoothly. Ambassador Piekarski's efforts on behalf
of Mr. Beaty earned him very high praise from Senator David Boren, who
travelled to Baghdad in November 1993 to obtain Mr. Beaty's release.
In a letter to the President, Senator Boren said: "Mr. Piekarski is one of
the most capable and dedicated diplomats that I have ever met... Poland has
clearly assigned one of her best and brightest to represent our interests
in Iraq."
President Clinton echoed Senator Boren's praise in a letter to President
Walesa: "Ambassador Piekarski's tireless efforts were invaluable in
ensuring the well-being of Mr. Beaty during his imprisonment and in
bringing pressure to bear to ensure his eventual release."
I could go on at length about Ambassador Piekarski's accomplishments, but
what I think marks his three years in Baghdad more than anything was
preference for testing the limits, and his refusal to assume a passive role
in the execution of his duties. He was invariably courageous and
professional in his endeavors and frequently successful. The United States
could not have asked for a more brilliant and effective representative of
her interests in Iraq during this extremely difficult period. Ambassador
Piekarski has set a high standard for his successors to follow.
I now turn the podium over to Assistant Secretary Ryan who has a few remarks
to make on behalf of the Bureau of Consular Affairs.
(END PELLETREAU TEXT)
(BEGIN RYAN TEXT)
On behalf of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, I want to express my extreme
gratitude for your expert handling of consular and administrative issues at
the Interests Section in Baghdad.
Your ability to negotiate the early release of American citizens who were
taken prisoner by the Government of Iraq is commendable. In particular,
your handling of the arrest case of Dr. Kenneth Beaty attests to your
dedication to duty and service. Your skill in consular matters is matched
only by your gifted management of the Interests Section. Specifically,
your handling of Personnel and property management issues has saved the
U.S. Government a considerable amount of money. Your services will be
sorely missed and we wish you much success in your future assignments.
It is an honor to present Ambassador Piekarski with the Secretary of State's
Distinguished Service Award which comes with a certificate signed by
Secretary Christopher and a gold medal set.
(END RYAN TEXT)
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