Volcanic ash: Obama to miss Kaczynski funeral

Washington, Apr 18: Volcanic ash has turned the plans of US President Barack Obama haywire. Obama's trip to Poland to attend funeral of its President Lech Kaczynski has been cancelled due to thickening cloud of volcanic ash over Europe.

Obama was scheduled to leave for Poland on Sunday, Apr 18 to attend Kaczynski funeral, who died in a plane crash with his wife along with other Polish leaders on Apr 10.

“I spoke with (Polish) acting President Komorowski and told him that I regret that I will not be able to make it to Poland due to the volcanic ash that is disrupting air travel over Europe," Mr. Obama said in a statement.

“Michelle and I continue to have the Polish people in our thoughts and prayers, and will support them in any way I can as they recover from this terrible tragedy," he said.

“President Kaczynski was a patriot and a close friend and ally of the U.S., as were those who died alongside him, and the American people will never forget the lives they led," Mr. Obama said.

The Nuclear Secuirty Summit held earlier this week in US started with world leaders, who attended the meeting, observing a moment of silence in honour of the Polish leader.

Poland Ambassador to the U.S. Robert Kupiecki represented the country in the summit.

“Mr Ambassador, all of us were shocked and deeply saddened by the devastating loss of President Kaczynski, the first lady and so many distinguished civilian and military leaders from your country," Mr. Obama said.

OneIndia News