Top NATO post for Kobieracki - a reward for loyalty during the Iraq war?

Polish diplomat Adam Kobieracki will be appointed Assistant to NATO General Secretary George Robertson, a NATO spokesman Robert Pszczel announced on Friday. It is the most prestigious post held by a Pole in this organization. "It is a proof of respect the role of Poland and Poles in the Pact," Kobieracki said. According to Friday's Gazeta Wyborcza, NATO was planning to disclose the news officially just before the summer holiday. NATO diplomats claim that the decision is Washington's reward for Poland's support in the U.S. war with Iraq. Washington refused to comment on the issue, claiming that it is solely NATO's decision. (Rzeczpospolita, May 17-18, p. A1) A.Z.