Poland's stressing of U.S. ties irks EU - by Andrew Borowiec

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Poland's stressing of U.S. ties irks EU - by Andrew Borowiec

NICOSIA, Cyprus -- A new conservative government in Poland is annoying its EU partners with an assertive anti-Russian, pro-American foreign policy that is seen to undermine EU efforts to "speak with one voice." Polish officials say the United States is much better able than the European Union to offer military security to Poland and other former Warsaw Pact members -- an idea that appeals to countries long exposed to Russian domination. Diplomats say Warsaw has been stressing ties with NATO and the Bush administration at the expense of its relationship with Brussels since the election in the fall of President Lech Kaczynski and the formation of a conservative government backed by the Catholic Church.