Barack Obama wraps up European tour in Poland

Barack Obama wraps up European tour in Poland

US President Barack Obama has wrapped up his six-day European tour in Warsaw, meeting Polish political leaders.

Talks focused on defence and energy issues but Mr Obama was also expected to seek to reassure Poles unhappy at his shelving of his predecessor's missile defence shield.

On Friday Mr Obama laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and visited the Warsaw Ghetto Memorial.

He also attended a dinner with 20 central and eastern European leaders.

Shale gas
The BBC's Stephen Evans in Warsaw says Polish leaders were hoping Mr Obama would rectify what many saw as a slight, when he cancelled President George W Bush's missile shield plan.

Our correspondent says Polish leaders were disappointed when President Obama decided not to go ahead with the shield on Polish soil, reading it as deference to Russia and as a sign of a lack of commitment to Poland.

Mr Obama held meetings with President Bronislaw Komorowski and Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Saturday.

The US has announced at least one new initiative on security.

White House national security official, Liz Sherwood Randall, travelling with Mr Obama, said a US air detachment would be set up in Poland.

"It will be a small permanent presence on the ground and then a rotational presence that will be more substantial," she said.

However, Mr Obama has not granted Poland's desire for a visa waiver for its citizens travelling to the US.

One key area under discussion will be energy.

Poland has reserves of shale which hold natural gas.

Our correspondent says Germany and Russia do not want those reserves opened up, Germany for environmental reasons and Russia perhaps because it currently exports much gas to the whole region.

He says the hope in Warsaw is that Mr Obama will support the opening of the shale reserves, ideally with the help of American energy companies.

On Friday evening, Mr Obama told the gathered eastern and central European leaders: "We have taken great inspiration from the blossoming of freedom and economic growth in this region and we're confident that will continue and we want to be a part of that process of strengthening your democracies, strengthening your economies and to be a full partner.


"I hope that... this [meeting] signifies how important we consider our relationship with central and eastern Europe".

Earlier in the day, Mr Obama placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw.

He also greeted Holocaust survivors at the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes.

Hours before Mr Obama's arrival, Polish headlines were dominated by reports that Solidarity founder Lech Walesa was refusing to meet him.

Mr Walesa said he feared such a meeting would only be a "photo opportunity", amid reports that he was offended for not being offered a one-on-one meeting with the US president.

"I believe one day I will meet with Obama but not this time," Mr Walesa told AFP news agency.

He wished the US president "very well", then added, "but sometimes things just don't work out".

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