US State Dept asks about the consitutional court reform

Mark Toner, a spokesman for the US Department of State said the US had asked Poland about the constitutional court reform. "We have raised questions with the government about legislative actions with regard to the constitutional tribunal. And we’re going to continue to have these discussions with them," Toner said. "I think a system of checks and balances and judicial independence are crucial elements of constitutional democracy and the rule of law. The United States cares deeply about Poland, which is a fellow democracy and a valued NATO ally. We remain confident about the strength of Poland’s democracy and the ability of the Polish people to address these issues in accordance with the democratic norms and the rule of law in Poland," he added. When asked by a Polish journalist about rumors that it is not set for 100 percent that the 2016 NATO summit will take place in Warsaw as it was planned, Toner said "NATO decided at the Wales summit that its next summit would be held in Poland in 2016, and that decision stands." He also denied that President Barack Obama is avoiding a meeting with President Andrzej Duda, because of the developments in Poland.