Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=10/25/04

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=KERRY/POLAND (L-O)

NUMBER=2-319889

BYLINE=JAROSLAW ANDERS

TELEPHONE=619 0252

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

CONTENT=

HEADLINE: Kerry Tells Polish Newspaper National Security is Top U.S. Issue

INTRO: Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry has told a major Polish daily newspaper he will persuade America's allies to share the burden of Iraqi stabilization and reconstruction. VOA's Jaroslaw Anders reports.

TEXT: In an interview with Poland's major newspaper, "Gazeta Wyborcza," the Democratic candidate John Kerry said national security is the most important issue facing the United States. Senator Kerry pledged to persuade America's allies to share some of its sacrifices in Iraq. If elected, the Democratic candidate said he would assign specific tasks to America's partners, such as training Iraqi security forces, securing Iraqi borders, or protecting the U.N. mission in the country.

Mr. Kerry said friends and allies of the United States should have an interest in the peaceful future of Iraq and a share in the reconstruction of its oil industry. In practice, continued Senator Kerry, it would mean billion-dollar reconstruction contracts for proven friends, such as Poland.

John Kerry spoke about his plans to return to the traditional cooperation with NATO allies. He also mentioned the need for real cooperation and openness in U.S. contacts with Russia and expressed concern about the situation in Ukraine on the eve of that nation's presidential elections.

Poland has 2500 soldiers in Iraq and administers an Iraqi sector. But in recent polls about 70 percent of Poles who were interviewed said they want the troops to return home. Polish Prime Minister Marek Belka recently promised to start cutting back Poland's presence in Iraq in 2005.

During presidential debates, Republican President George Bush often praised Poland's contribution to the U-S led effort in Iraq. According to public opinion research most Poles approve of the policies of the Bush administration.

John Kerry may need Polish-American swing votes in several important states. Speaking on an issue of emotional importance to Poles, he promised to work with the Polish authorities to grant Polish citizens admission to the United States without the normal visa application process. (SIGNED)

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