News / Russian air traffic controllers ignored communication protocol of Polish pilots? [194]

It's a long debate at our TV channels (Romanian) with regard to this plain crash.
We have also, a Romanian pilot who crashed with Tu 154 (same plain) in 1980' in Pacific Ocean, and he is explaining what could happened (He survived with the all passengers).

First of all, the protocols have to be subject of a serious and carefully investigation. In this respect, some doubts there are regarding the Russian counterpart. It is strange that Polish pilots have tried for 4 times to land. This is unusual for a good pilot. What happened ? What factor could influenced him to react in such way ? It is possible that an external force could influenced the psychology of the pilots in order to annihilate their thinking and the speed of their reaction ? Technically it might be possible. But, I'm coming back with the protocols:

a) a big mistake was made by the Polish authorities, because it is unacceptable to give access in the same plain to all the heads of the army and secret services;

b) the second protocol is to supervise the plain (technically), the route, and alternative routes. Such things are prepared early in time, not suddenly or by case;

c) the pilot had to be prepared in Russian language, if the plain is Russian, due to technically issues. So, I don't thing that Russian language was an obstacle between pilots and control tower. Much important was the instructions received by the pilots from the control tower of the Smolensk airport. It is important to transmit proper and accurate information, and in time ! (the time is very important, also). The black boxes shall clarify such things. But I wonder, the possible impact of intervention on the human psyche. Therefore, such accident, maybe is not an accident.

Valentin Ionescu, lawyer, Bucharest, Romania

News / Russian air traffic controllers ignored communication protocol of Polish pilots? [194]

Usually, I avoid to speculate on a topic, even if sometimes I express vague. But I have my own views regarding the Russians.
Anyway, such case will not be clarified rigorously without analyzing flight protocols were followed by the both sides (Polish and Russian). Besides, an inquiry must run on the rules or protocols that Polish officials and Polish secret services have applied (if they are wrong) or have not complied. Instead of Polish authorities I would call an investigator from the US National Transportation Safety Board. Maybe, the Polish Government will do it.

Regarding the Presidential airplane, I don't know what to add. Last year, we had the same public debate/scandal on a future public procurement for a new presidential airplane. The decision was postponed. So, the President still uses the same Boeing 707, made in 1974 (was adapted for Ceausescu's needs). The airplane is very old, but it still works without any technical problem. The Romanian political leaders avoided Russian airplanes (also the civil fleet followed the same pattern) even thought they are good, perhaps. This year, a new Boeing shall be acquired for the President.

Travel / Poland to Romania (and back!) [18]

mafketis
Poland in martial law was about like Romania durng normal Ceausescu times

Not quite. In the 60 'until mid of 70' there was a sort of political liberalization and opening to the West, not like in Yugoslavia, but slightly higher than in Poland, at least in the cultural aspect of bilateral relations, publications, films (most of the movies were brought from western countries not from Est). Obviously, such things happened in the parameters of a communist regime.

In the 80 ' was worse than in the whole Central and Eastern Europe. Therefore, there was a significant decline, not only in economic terms. It was also a social and educational degradation. Years of isolation had a huge impact, that's why the recovery period was higher than we expected. Look to the gap between Serbia today and the rest of the Central European Countries, after the years of war and isolation. It is the same.

Now, if you visit a city (buildings, infrastructure, services, commerce), you see, in fact, the outer layer/stratum of a people's culture. Therefore, what I'm writing above has some sense. Besides, there are many other explanations (demolition of the historical site of Bucharest - o part of its downtown at the mid of 80's, bringing gypsies in old houses/landmarks to destroy them gradually in order to give a reason for demolition etc). There are many stories regarding Bucharest. Besides, the structures of the population was significant changed in the years of industrialization. So, nothing resemble with the Bucharest before the second world war,

This is just a short and friendly comment.

vionescu1961

News / Poland President National Mourning in Some Countries [212]

In Romania is the same. A day of mourning was official regulated by a Cabinet Decision.

News / Poland President National Mourning in Some Countries [212]

Torq
Torq
It's a matter of respect and common sense to come at funerals today. Our president took a helicopter from Bucharest to Oradea (Nord - West of Romania) and then he continued the journey by car to Krakow (Bucharest - Krakow = 1170 km). For instance, from Berlin to Krakow are 593 km. From Vienna (Austria) are about 472 km. So, the volcanic ash is not an excuse for many EU politicians.

Valentin, Bucharest

News / Poland President National Mourning in Some Countries [212]

Torq
Torq
This Sunday is a mourning day here in Romania. Besides, the TV channels (news) broadcast live from Krakow

Now, don't forget that between our countries is a long relationship. We have also, a Polish community in the North - Est of Romania. This community has a representative in the Romanian Parliament (like all the minorities from Romania. Only Hungarians have 7% representation in the Parliament).

I'm afraid that Poland will have more friends in the Central and Eastern Europe (except Russia) that in EU.
I let know. The liturgy has began.

News / Poland President National Mourning in Some Countries [212]

Darun, and
Sasha
In geopolitical terms, Russia can not have friends and it is not able to get friends. It is a great power and it needs to have or to preserve a protective belt in the proximity of the Western boarders (Central and a part of Eastern Europe. This is about it's vision of 200 years. It is a part of its political culture also, which was not changed in the last 20 years. If Russia becomes a medium power, it will get friends.

News / Poland President National Mourning in Some Countries [212]

Sasha,
When you will cease to live in the past, to spend your money for the education and research for the Russian people benefit, instead of influencing other governments or to destabilize them, maybe you will get friends and partners like US. Besides, try to be focused much more in the institutional building from your country. Don't try to care by someone else. Look at yourself first. It's much healthier.

News / Poland President National Mourning in Some Countries [212]

Darun
Darun,
I've seen that you are in Bucharest.