Sarkozy's visit cancelled due to quarrels say sources

A Polish diplomat admitted that the dispute between President Lech Kaczyński and PM Donald Tusk over the program of the visit of French President Nikolas Sarkozy discouraged the French head of state to visit Poland.

According to Rzeczpospolita, the proposed program was rejected by the PM's Office and Polish diplomatic officials claim that after several unsuccessful attempts to reach a compromise, the French side found an excuse related to the funeral of famous poet Aime Cesaire.

"The initial proposal of the program was unacceptable for Donald Tusk, as all meetings would be held in the Presidential Palace. The Prime Minister decided that his position during the visit of Sarkozy would not be highlighted in a sufficient way," said one Polish diplomat.

The President of France has wide ranging powers, which are empowered with the PM in Poland, and thus a number of issues would have to be discussed with Donald Tusk.

While representatives of Lech Kaczyński and Donald Tusk deny these allegations, the French side are sticking by their official statement, and everyone admits that another date is hard to be set. (Rzeczpospolita, p. A8) M.M.