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U.S. GOVERNMENT 1: Bush Praises Polish President

On Wednesday, President Bush met with Aleksander Kwasniewski to say farewell to the Polish leader. After 10 years of working with both President Clinton and President Bush, Kwasniewski has established close ties with the United States.

Bush said Kwasniewski can leave office with his "head held high," according to the Associated Press.

Poland became a serious ally to the United States by being one of the few nations that has contributed troops to Iraq for the entire war. Poland even sent troops during the March 2003 invasion.

Bush is thankful to Poland's troops serving in Iraq. He hosted a lunch in Kwasniewski's honor. The Polish leader was also scheduled to meet with Vice President Dick Cheney.

During Kwasniewski's term, Poland joined NATO and the European Union, and worked directly with Washington.

The departing leader promised that Polish troops will stay in Iraq until the end of January regardless of who becomes the new president of Poland.

About 1,500 Polish soldiers are now serving in Iraq.

--Written by Pota Papakos

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