Polish President Kaczynski criticizes Berlin, Paris over Russia

Aug 16, 2008, 13:39 GMT

Warsaw - The Polish President Lech Kaczynski on Saturday criticized Germany and France for what he considered their pliability vis a vis Russia in the current crisis in the Caucasus.

Both Western European countries have had a 'very typical' relationship with Russia, Kaczynski said in an interview published in the Rzeczpospolita daily.

This position by the two countries is due to 'the historical experiences and interests of corporations' that are looking to make 'big money' in Russia.

Kaczynski said he was disappointed that the European Union decisions in the Georgian crisis were made 'between Berlin and Paris.'

The presidents of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia condemned Saturday in a joint statement the actions of Russian forces fighting in the breakaway Georgian region of South Ossetia.

The declaration was 'sharp, but the situation calls for it,' Polish President Lech Kaczynski told journalists in Warsaw.

He described the Russian intervention as incompatible with international law and an 'act of aggression.'

Germany and France - both of whom have strong commercial links with Russia - have taken a more amicable line with Russia both in the past and in the current crisis.