Elzbieta Jakubiak

A diplomatic delegation from Poland, led by Elzbieta Jakubiak, Head of the Cabinet of the President of the Republic of Poland, visited Chicago on the occasion of the celebration of the Polish Constitution of May 3. In a conversation with Plus Journal, Minister Jakubiak emphasizes the need for a dialogue between Poland and the U.S. and the character of Polish integration abroad.

What is the main goal of your visit to Chicago?

Our main goal was to participate in the May 3^rd parade. President Kaczynski promised that a delegation from Poland would be present at the ceremony[1]. It was the first time in 60 years that an official Polish delegation took part in the Pulaski Parade in Chicago. In addition to attending the celebrations, we have also engaged in political dialogue: I have met with the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor of Illinois, the Mayor of Chicago, and other state authorities. These meetings focused on the relations between Poland and the U.S., as well as questions of international importance, including our perspective on the situation in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo and the Balkans.

What, in your opinion, is the impact of the fact that May 3^rd, the anniversary of the Polish Constitution, is also being celebrated in the U.S.?

This undoubtedly helps to consolidate the Polish community; its members must make efforts to support each other, to attend elections, and vote for Poles. We must have strong representation. This is why I think that celebrating May 3^rd will help us to cultivate a sense of pride and national heritage. In the 1950s Poles had very strong representation in the U.S. at every level of government. Now we must fight to regain it. Today we have shown that we are able to unite under the national banner.

An immigration bill concerning the lifting of visas for Poles visiting the United States passed in the Senate but was blocked in the House. What do we know concerning this matter and what is the current position of the Polish government?

I hope that it is a matter that, after much turbulence, will be resolved. We are convinced that it is nearing a positive resolution. We have discussed it with the state government representatives, emphasizing the most painful and exasperating aspects of the visa requirement, such as its impact on residency and on the right to work. I strongly support the legalization of Poles visiting the U.S. It is important for us that Polish emigrants stay in touch with their families in Poland and that they may be present in person at various family reunions. We would like borders to become more open.

Does the Polish membership in the European Union and the opening of Western European borders, giving Poles new opportunities for working abroad, signal a turn towards the E.U. and a decreased flow of Poles to the U.S.?

Poland remains a very pro-American country which, in a natural, nearly genetic manner, “likes” the U.S. America is in a sense the country of our ancestors. Our delegation visited among others Jamestown, a city where Polish tradition is still very present. These relations won’t be changed.

Many E.U. countries express decisively anti-American opinions. Can they exert an influence on the relations between Poland and the U.S.?

I am afraid that Poles traveling to Western Europe in search of their place in the world may succumb to anti-American propaganda. We must therefore take care all the more to strengthen the relations between the U.S. and Poland. The gestures must be bilateral. E.U. membership gives Poland a sense of strength, peace, and stability that the country has dreamed of for a long time. We cannot say, however, that today Polish public opinion has become anti-American, which does not mean that we should not strive to continue maintaining the previous good course. Now is the time to pay particular attention to U.S.-Polish relations, as we are planning as many as 12 meetings at the highest level with the American government. President Kaczynski will welcome President Bush in Poland on June 8 at an unofficial meeting in his summer residence in Jurat. In September, a Polish delegation will come to Washington on a visit of much greater importance. The exchanges are a proof of a serious commitment on both sides.

At the end of April, the Mayor of Warsaw, Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, visited Chicago. Now we have the honor of welcoming you and other government representatives. Does this mean that the Polish political parties PiS (Prawo i Sprawiedliwosc, Law and Justice) and PO (Platforma Obywatelska, Civic Platform) are courting the Polish community or do these visits signal that both parties are interested in working together?

The visit of Mayor Gronkiewicz-Waltz took place in the context of the Sister Cities project and for the exhibition “Towards Freedom” devoted to the Warsaw Uprising. When President Kaczynski was the mayor of Warsaw, Mayor Richard Daley visited the Polish capital. The visit was thus a natural continuation of the Sister Cities project. Even if it has a somewhat competitive character, it is undoubtedly beneficial to both sides: the Polish community in Chicago and Poles in Poland. After all, Chicago has the second largest Polish population after Warsaw, and we should not forget that.

Thank you for the conversation.