Poland plays tough with Russia over food imports ban

The Polish government continues to protest against the Russian ban on the imports of Polish food. Polish Foreign Minister Anna Fotyga yesterday declared that, "The Russian embargo on Polish food is a sort of declaration of war." The statement was heavily criticized by the opposition with Civic Platform deputy Adam Szejnfeld saying that, "Even in a state of war, diplomatic language should be used." Fotyga added that bilateral talks between Poland and Russia should be suspended for the time being since it is the European Commission and the German presidency which currently negotiates with Russians on Poland's behalf. (Rzeczpospolita, p. A1; Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 11) E.B.