Poland claims '70%' success at NATO summit

This came as a major surprise because just two days ago, NATO seemed set to rebuff the two countries' bids indefinitely due to vehement opposition from Russia. "We would like to thank Poland. It was only because of your stance that NATO made this historic decision," said Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili. Polish President Lech Kaczyński, who delivered an impassioned speech defending the Black Sea countries membership aspirations on Wednesday, said he achieved 70% success. Meanwhile, Alexander Gruschko, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, reiterated their entry into NATO would be, "A grave strategic mistake" with, "Serious implications" for security in Europe.  The accession of Ukraine and Georgia to NATO is seen by Poland as a key national security objective. Also yesterday NATO leaders backed the installation of the US anti-missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic. (Gazeta Wyborcza p. 1; Dziennik, p. 1) R.M.