Embassy Archives 2009

President Obama Announces Reviews of Terrorist Watch List and Travel Screening Systems

Addressing the media, on December 29th the President commented on administration efforts to review and improve security and intelligence in wake of the attempted bombing on Christmas Day.
Study of the United States Institutes 2010 – Applications Accepted until January 25, 2010!

The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw is pleased to invite candidate nominations for the Summer 2010 Study of the United States Institutes (SUSI) for University Faculty and Secondary School Educators.
Jazz Ambassadors Photo Exhibition by Marek Karewicz Opens at American Corner in Gdańsk

Counselor for Press and Culture Lisa Helling officially opened an exhibition of photographs of American Jazz legends taken during their concerts in Poland by renowned Polish photographer Marek Karewicz.
Assistant Secretary Gordon on the Lisbon Treaty: “a Milestone for Europe and for its Role in the World.”

"The United States and the European Union form a community of shared values and a partnership of shared interests. We are united by our deep commitment to freedom, security, human rights, the rule of law, and open markets. Our 800 million democratically-governed citizens are bound together by enduring links of culture and commerce, by our shared history and our common hopes for the future."
“A Meaningful and Unprecedented Breakthrough” in Copenhagen

In his remarks to the press in Copenhagen on December 18, President Barack Obama said “Today we've made meaningful and unprecedented breakthrough here in Copenhagen.
“I Want to Study in the USA!” - Polish Students Learn about College Life in the United States

On November 24, 2009, more than 120 high school students from Warsaw, Ełk, Lublin, Częstochowa, and other Polish cities gathered at the Koszykowa Library in Warsaw to learn about college life in the United States and find out how to apply to U.S. colleges, choose the right school, and research scholarship and financial aid opportunities.
What Does Democracy Mean to You? The 2010 “Democracy is…” Photo Contest Now Open!

The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw is happy to announce the launch of the second edition of the “Democracy is…” photo contest, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw and the Center of Citizenship Education (CEO).
The U.S. Center in Copenhagen – “Science On a Sphere”

The giant, rotating, colorful globe, displaying computer-animated projections of the Earth’s land, oceans, and atmosphere, attracted much attention at the COP15 Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, December 7-18, 2009.
Bruce Nauman Exhibit Opens at the Ujazdowski Castle in Warsaw

An exhibition of works created by Bruce Nauman, one of the most distinguished American contemporary artists, opened on December 14, 2009 at the Center for Contemporary Art at Ujazdowski Castle in Warsaw.
Admiral James Stavridis, Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR), Visits Warsaw

Admiral James G. Stavridis, the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, and Commander of the U.S. European Command, visits Poland this week for the first time since taking his post to discuss NATO subjects with General Franciszek Gagor, Chief of the Polish General Staff, and other Polish Government officials.
Ambassador Visits Krakow

Ambassador Lee Feinstein began his trip to Kraków with a visit to the Wawel Hill. During the visit, he laid a wreath at the tomb of Tadeusz Kościuszko and learned about the history of the Polish rulers entombed in the cathedral.
U.S. and Poland Sign Status of Forces Agreement “Deepening” Bilateral Cooperation

Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Ellen Tauscher and Deputy Defense Minister Stanislaw Komorowski signed December 11 a supplemental Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).
Early Holiday Gifts from U.S.-Polish NGO Heifer Project International Highlights Food Security

With the help of Arkansas-based NGO, the Heifer Project International, Polish farmers moved to assist poor rural families in Lithuania with the transfer of a flock of 120 sheep on Friday, December 11.
President Obama to Receive the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

On December 10th President Obama received his Nobel Peace Prize in a formal ceremony in Oslo, Norway. President Obama is the 97th individual (along with 23 organizations) to receive this distinguished award.
America Presents Eric Weiner

Eric Weiner, an American journalist and author, long-time foreign correspondent for National Public Radio, and reporter for the New York Times, met the Warsaw public on December 10 at infoQultura, to discuss his experiences as a journalist around the world, and his newest book, “The Geography of Bliss.”
Under Secretary Ellen Tauscher to Lead U.S. Delegation to the SCCG Talks in Warsaw

Ms. Ellen Tauscher, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, led a U.S. delegation to the Strategic Cooperation Consultative Group (SCCG) talks in Warsaw on December 10.
Advisors to President Obama, President Kaczynski Meet at U.S. National Academies

Advisors to President Dr. John Holdren, Science Advisor to President Obama, joined Dr. Michal Kleiber, Science Advisor to President Kaczynski, and a group of distinguished Polish and American scientists for a two-day conference in Washington called “Rebuilding the Transatlantic Bridge: U.S.- Polish Cooperation on Science, Technology, and Innovation.”
Adam Michnik Receives the 2009 Ion Ratiu Democracy Award

Adam Michnik, one of Poland’s most prominent and influential journalists, who stood in the forefront of the illegal, democratic opposition during Communist rule in Poland, became the 2009 recipient of the Ion Ratiu Democracy Award.
COP15 Kicks Off in Copenhagen

The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) kicked off on December 7th in Copenhagen, and will last through December 18th. The U.S. is committed to forging an international response and achieving a successful outcome.
Secretary Clinton Joins NATO Ministerial Meeting in Brussels

U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, is in Brussels attending a meeting of the North Atlantic Council at NATO Headquarters December 4.
Ambassador Feinstein Meets with Young Polish Leaders

On November 30, 2009, Ambassador Feinstein met with three young Polish participants of the United States-European Union Government Initiatives program, a private program that places candidates in congressional and parliamentary internships in the U.S. and the U.K.
Ambassador Feinstein Addresses the American Chamber of Commerce

U.S. Ambassador to Poland, Lee Feinstein, made his first appearance as Honorary Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce at the Intercontinental Hotel in Warsaw on December 2, 2009.
U.S. Embassy Mourns the Death of American Studies Professor Krzysztof Michałek

Professor Krzysztof Michałek, one of Poland’s foremost experts on the United States, died in a traffic accident outside Warsaw on November 23, 2009. The Embassy community was shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic news.
President Obama’s World AIDS Day Proclamation: “We Rededicate Ourselves”

December 1st is World AIDS Day, one of the most recognised international health days. President Obama declared “On World AIDS Day, we rededicate ourselves to developing a national AIDS strategy that will establish the priorities necessary to combat this devastating epidemic at home, and to renewing our leadership role and commitments abroad.”
President Obama Outlines the Way Forward in Afghanistan and Pakistan

On December 1, 2009, during a public address at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, President Barack Obama announced significant additional military and civilian resources for Afghanistan and significant additional civilian resources for Pakistan.
Deputy Press Attaché Celebrates American Day in Szczecin

Deputy Press Attaché Virginia Harris travelled to Szczecin on Tuesday, November 24th, to celebrate American Day at the Youth Palace in Szczecin.
U.S. Embassy Staff Join Lazarski University for Thanksgiving

To mark Thanksgiving Day in Poland, the Lazarski School of Commerce and Law in Warsaw put together a special program which included presentations, a panel discussion, and a quiz testing the students’ knowledge about the United States.
Secretary Clinton: “Violence Against Women is Criminal”

“Today and every day, women and girls all over the world will face violence simply because they are female. Today, a woman somewhere in the United States will be physically assaulted by her husband.
President Obama’s Thanksgiving Proclamation: “Thankful for Our Common Blessings”

Every year, on the fourth Thursday in November, Americans in the United States and across the world celebrate Thanksgiving Day, one of the most important national holidays.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Poland, Victor Ashe, Nominated to the Broadcasting Board of Governors

On November 18, 2009, President Obama announced his intent to nominate Victor H. Ashe, former U.S. Ambassador to Poland, and three others to the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG).
Exciting Professional Opportunities in the U.S. for Polish Artists!

CEC ArtsLink is still accepting applications for two exclusive art programs: ArtsLink Residencies 2010 and ArtsLink Independent Projects. The application deadline is only a couple weeks away: December 1, 2009!
U.S. Embassy Support for Academic Exchanges with Poland

On the occasion of International Education Week, the U.S.-Polish Fulbright Commission sponsored a conference on “Perspectives of U.S.-Polish Academic Exchanges” at the library of Warsaw University.
Statement by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the 20th Anniversary of the Velvet Revolution

On November 17, 2009, U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton issued a special statement on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, in which she congratulated the Czech Republic and Slovakia on twenty years of democracy.
Do You Want to Study in the U.S?

Last year, more than 670,000 international students studied in the U.S. and over 640 American students studied in Poland. Do you want to join this rapidly growing group of students? Do you want to study in the U.S?
"The Return of History” and “The Rise of China” – Prof. Wing Thye Woo Speaks in Poland

At the invitation of the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, the eminent economist Prof. Wing Thye Woo visited Poland in November to address the future of the global economy.
Lieutenant General Mieczyslaw Stachowiak’s Visit Highlights Strategic U.S. – Poland Military Cooperation

Lieutenant General (LTG) Mieczyslaw Stachowiak, First Deputy Chief of the General Staff, visited the United States November 1-6, 2009 at the invitation of his American counterpart, General James Cartwright, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Special Envoy for Eurasian Energy Issues Visits Warsaw

Ambassador Richard Morningstar, Special Envoy for Eurasian Energy, was in Warsaw November 12-14 to discuss further cooperation between Poland and the United States on energy and energy security.
Radio Free Europe Celebrates 60th Anniversary

On November 4, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a resolution (H. Res. 641) commemorating the 60th anniversary of Radio Free Europe.
President Obama Signs Resolution Granting U.S. Citizenship Posthumously to Kazimierz Pułaski

On Friday, November 6, 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law a Joint Resolution (H.J.Res. 26), which proclaims Kazimierz Pułaski (known as Casimir Pulaski in the United States) to be an honorary citizen of the United States posthumously.
Secretary Clinton in Berlin to Mark 20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall

November 9, 2009 – President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave remarks in honor of the 20th Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, an event that symbolizes the collapse of communism throughout Europe -- a process in which Poland played a leading role.
Change in Consular Districts for the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw and the Consulate General in Kraków

The United States Embassy in Warsaw and the Consulate General in Kraków are pleased to announce a change to their consular districts.
State Department Releases the 2009 Report on International Religious Freedom

On October 26, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered the State Department’s annual International Religious Freedom Report to Congress.
Think You Know America? Join the Nationwide Contest by November 14th!

The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw and the Rural Development Foundation are pleased to announce the seventh edition of the Know America Contest. High school students from all over Poland are invited to test their knowledge about the United States and compete for attractive awards including a three-day educational program in Warsaw.
"Doors to Diplomacy" 2010 Web Contest for Students

The U.S. Department of State and the Global SchoolNet Foundation invite students around the world to participate in the 2010 edition of the "Doors to Diplomacy" website competition.
Anne Nelson Visits Warsaw, Polish Premiere Reading of “The Guys”

Anne Nelson, adjunct associate professor at the Columbia School of International and Public Affairs, writer, war reporter and media scholar met the Warsaw public at the Polish premiere reading of her play “The Guys” (Chłopaki) at the Warsaw Theater Academy “Koło” stage on October 27, 2009.
Poland Raises Awareness of Trafficking in Persons

On October 18, Poland observed the third annual EU Anti-Trafficking Day with a number of activities designed to raise awareness of this modern-day form of slavery.
Vice President Biden to Visit Warsaw

Vice President Biden began his three-nation trip to Central Europe in Warsaw, where he met with Prime Minister Tusk and President Kaczynski.
Joshua Bell Plays to Support of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews

Acclaimed violinist Joshua Bell performed with the Orchestra of the Polish National Opera at the Warsaw National Theatre (Teatr Wielki) on October 21, 2009 to benefit the Museum of the History of Polish Jews.
Three U.S. Air Force Generals Make Historic Visit to Poland

Three U.S. Air Force Generals and one retired Air Force Colonel made a historic visit to Poland to recognize 90 years of cooperation and friendship between the United States and Poland.
Helena Modrzejewska Exhibition Opens in Warsaw

As a part of the year-long celebration of the 90th anniversary of Polish-American diplomatic relations, the U.S. Embassy is a proud sponsor of the Polish National Opera Theater Museum’s exhibit, “Helena Modjeska: For the Love of Art.”
“American Inspirations” Essay Contest

The Alumni Association in Poland, which brings together former U.S. exchange visitors, launched a nation-wide “American Inspirations” essay contest.
New U.S. Ambassador Arrives in Poland

On October 20, 2009, Lee A. Feinstein, the new U.S. Ambassador to Poland, presented his credentials to the President of Poland, Lech Kaczyński, during an official ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw.
President Obama Wins the Nobel Peace Prize

President Barack Obama has won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for “his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.”
House Votes Unanimously for Citizenship to Polish Hero

The U.S. House of Representatives voted unanimously on Thursday to award citizenship posthumously to Polish Hero, Casimir Pulaski.
US Delegation Visits Auschwitz-Birkenau

Dr. Michael Haltzel, head of the U.S. delegation to the OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting (HDIM), led a group of delegates to visit the Nazi concentration camp in Auschwitz and death camp in Birkenau on October 3.
Democracy Video Challenge 2010

The U.S. Department of State has launched the second edition of the Democracy Video Contest for young filmmakers across the globe.
Professor Vincent Parillo in Łódź and Warsaw

Vincent N. Parrillo, Professor and Graduate Director of Sociology at William Paterson University in New Jersey, visited Łódź and Warsaw on October 10-15, 2009.
Polish Corn Farmers Celebrate Harvest

On October 4, 2009, Eric Wenberg, Agricultural Counselor at the American Embassy in Warsaw and Marcus Törnberg, Director of Heifer International Poland, attended the annual fall "Corn Days” celebration near Teresin.
Polish Soybean Meal Users Understand the Value of US Soybean Meal

On September 24th, the American Soybean Association met with 23 Polish importers, feed associations, feed mill compounders and soy meal end users to present the differences in soybean meal by origin.
Statement on the Passing of Marek Edelman

On behalf of the Department of State I wish to express our sympathy and solidarity with the people of Poland upon the death of Marek Edelman, the last surviving leader of the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and an activist in the Solidarity movement.
„In the Old House” Sixth Edition of the 4-H Club’s Annual Contest

On September 26, 2009, staff representing the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw and the U.S. Consulate in Krakow had the pleasure to participate in an event organized by Modliszewice Agricultural Advisory Centre in Oleszno (Świętokrzyskie region) where they met with leaders and kids from local 4H clubs.