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President Ilves places wreath at grave of former Polish Head of State

20.04.2010

“Despite all the difficulties, I was able to come here and say good-bye to Mr. Lech Kaczyński, who was a friend of mine and a friend of Estonia, and to his wife, Mrs. Maria Kaczyńska,” said President Ilves. President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Mrs. Evelin Ilves placed a wreath at the grave of the Polish President, Mr. Lech Kaczyński, and his wife, Mrs. Maria Kaczyńska, who died in the recent plane crash and are buried in the crypt of the cathedral at Wawel Castle.

“Despite all the difficulties, I was able to come here and say good-bye to Mr. Lech Kaczyński, who was a friend of mine and a friend of Estonia, and to his wife, Mrs. Maria Kaczyńska,” said President Ilves.

Because of the air traffic crisis, which has hit Europe, President Ilves could not participate in the funeral ceremony of the Polish presidential couple on 18th April. As all flights were cancelled, he began his journey home from Istanbul the very same morning and arrived in Krakow late last night.

The Estonian Head of State and Mrs. Evelin Ilves placed a wreath in the crypt of the cathedral at Wawel Castle at 8:56 in the morning. At the very same time, 10 days ago, the Polish presidential couple and 94 more people died in a plane crash near Smolensk, Russia.

President Ilves will complete his 3,500 km journey home tomorrow afternoon.


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