Ambassador Offers Condolences on the Death of Prof. Bronislaw Geremek

14 July 2008

Prof. BronislaW Geremek

The employees of the U.S. Embassy were stunned to learn of the death on July 13 of Bronislaw Geremek, one of the most prominent leaders of the Solidarity movement and a man to whom Poland and the world owe a great deal.  Mr. Geremek played a central role in the key events that brought freedom to Poland, from his days as an advisor during the Gdansk shipyard strike in 1980, to his pivotal role in negotiating Poland's peaceful transition to democracy in 1988-89.  Mr. Geremek went on to serve as Poland's foreign minister in 1997-2000, during which time he guided Poland's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.  Most recently he represented Poland in the European Parliament.  He will be remembered for his powerful intellect, his reasoned political judgment, and his warm humanity.  Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Dan Fried, a former U.S. Ambassador to Poland, commented: "Professor Bronislaw Geremek was one of the fathers of Poland's regained sovereignty in and after 1989' a fearless patriot who believed that Poland's freedom was bound up with its democracy, and a leader who realized his ideals by helping bring Poland from communist and Soviet domination to freedom and security.  Those who knew him admired him.  His friends mourn his death and will cherish his memory.”  U.S. Ambassador to Poland Victor Ashe stated, "Bronislaw Geremek was a statesmen recognized throughout the world for his contribution to the cause of peace and freedom. On behalf of the American people, I would like to express our condolences to the Polish people and to the Geremek family over the loss of such a great Polish patriot. His example will serve as an inspiration to all those who wish to make the world a better place."