U.S. Ambassador Rose Calls Events at Constitutional Tribunal an ‘Unprecedented Confrontation’
Tom Rose, U.S. ambassador to Poland, has spoken out on the events outside the Constitutional Tribunal, Poland’s top constitutional court.
The events unfolding tonight at the Constitutional Tribunal are indeed very serious. We appear to be witnessing an unprecedented confrontation over the government’s use of state power and the independence and authority of a constitutional institution. Both sides are presenting radically different versions of what happened and why.
Whatever facts are ultimately established, the thousands of people gathering outside the Tribunal are further inflaming an already dangerous situation. The last thing Poland needs is a confrontation that turns into something far worse. America stands with Poland.
It is not for us to judge or to interfere in its internal affairs. Our concern is the stability, security and democratic future of a country that we proudly call our friend and ally. I hope that everyone involved – government officials, law enforcement and demonstrators – will take a deep breath and refrain from any actions that could provoke violence or further escalation. Americans and @POTUS care deeply about this country, its democracy and its future. But Poland’s strength ultimately must come from within – from its people, its institutions and their shared commitment to the rule of law. Poland has come too far and achieved too much to allow political differences, however strong, to threaten that.
