President Obama Unable to Attend Polish Funeral of Lech Kaczynski

by Amy Judd | April 17, 2010 at 01:08 pm

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Due to the Volcanic Ash Cloud Grounding Many Flights President Obama Pulls Out of Polish Visit

Just as Stephen Harper will be unable to attend the Polish funeral of Lech Kaczynski, President Obama has now issued a statement saying he is unable to attend due to the safety risk associated with flying through the volcanic ash cloud.

Thousands of flights have been canceled all across the world and many airports remain closed until at least Sunday April 18. Even President Obama could not get Air Force One off the ground.

President Obama made this statement on Saturday:

I spoke with 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

He went on to say that while he will have the Polish people in his thoughts, both he and Michelle are very sorry they cannot attend. He pledged to support the people in any way to help them recover from the loss of so many politicians.

President Lech Kaczynski, his wife Maria and 94 others were all killed one week ago when they were traveling on board a plane bound for a memorial for victims of the Katyn Massacre.

"President Kaczynski was a patriot and close friend and ally of the United States,'' Obama said today, "as were those who died alongside him, and the American people will never forget the lives they led."

According to the LA Times, the American Ambassador to Poland will be attending the funeral on Sunday April 18.