Until the small hours of this morning, Poland’s Parliament’s Defence Commission closely questioned Defence Minister Bogdan Klich on the battle-readiness of the Polish contingent in Afghanistan.

General Waldemar Skrzypczak, however, the now former land forces chief who openly criticised the government over Polish troops in Afghanistan, failed to appear before the commission.

General Skrzypczak, who has since resigned his post, accused the Ministry of Defence of incompetence over failing to arm the contingent in Afghanistan with necessary support equipment, such as unmanned surveilence planes and helicopters, when trrops are out on patrol. His remarks came after the death of Captain ?? who was shot by Taliban sniper fire.

Later, Defence Minister Klich told journalists that he believed he had supplied “exhaustive” answers to the commission’s questions.  He said that, “The commission members mostly demonstrated great concern for the future of the armed forces and especially the contingent in Afghanistan.”

On the contentious comments by General Skrzypczak, the commission closed its meeting with a statement that soldiers have the right to speak out about equipment shortages but should do this in accordance with procedures, and respecting the civilian control over the army. (ek/pg)