Poland is willing, able and eager to conduct excavation missions for uncovering mass graves in Iraq upon the request of the Kuwaiti government and after obtaining permission from Iraqi authorities, said Political Advisor to Commander of the Multinational Division Central-East Iraq Ambassador Stanislaw Smolen.
Speaking to reporters during a few-hour visit, the Polish official said that the Polish contingent in Iraq "not only has a military mission to fulfill, but also has a humanitarian side." He added that Polish soldiers had conducted one excavation mission in 2003 and two missions in 2004 close to Al-Razzazzah Lake, north of Karbala, where remains of 99 Kuwaiti POWs were uncovered. Of these, the identity of 76 has been confirmed through DNA testing.
Smolen explained that these excavations came in response to a request from the Kuwaiti government and "would not have been possible without the permission of the Iraqi government," adding that they took place in cooperation with the National Committee for Missing and POWs' Affairs.( Smolen stressed that the Polish people understand the suffering of Kuwaitis seeking knowledge of the fate of their loved ones, especially as they endured a similar situation during World War II.
Poland is experienced in the uncovering of mass graves in difficult areas and is ready to help Kuwaitis and any other country that seeks to benefit from this experience, he said.
Smolen went on to say that the issue of Kuwaiti POWs "is a thorn in relations between Kuwait and Iraq. The sooner it is removed, the better it is for relations." He commended the efforts of Kuwait's Humanitarian Operation Center (HOC), headed by Lieutenant-General Ali Al-Momen, saying that Kuwaitis understand the suffering of people in need "and we are sorry that HOC ceases to exist as Iraqis are still in need of humanitarian assistance." On preparations required for excavation missions, Smolen said that these include reconnaissance flights, de-mining, chemical and biological reconnaissance, having an air liaison team that can be on site within 10 minutes at all times, 24-hour surveillance of the site, logistics and heavy digging equipment.
The contingent worked within the range of 20 kilometers and dug as deep as four to five meters, he said.
Smolen also said that a permanent exhibition will be set up soon to document the mass grave excavations with photos and other exhibits.
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