Poland's Prospective New PM Calls for Improved Russian, EU Ties

The leader of Poland's Civic Platform, which emerged with the largest number of parliamentary seats in Sunday's elections, says he will seek better relations with Russia and the rest of Europe.

Speaking Tuesday in Warsaw, Donald Tusk pledged to end political strife at home, and to improve strained ties with Moscow and the European Union.

Tusk spoke as final election tallies showed his victorious pro-business, liberal Civic Platform party winning 209 seats in the 460-seat lower house of parliament.

Donald Tusk celebrates election victory, 21 Oct 2007

The conservative Law and Justice party of outgoing Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski finished second, with 166 seats.

Tusk, who was tapped Tuesday as his party's candidate for prime minster, said he will start building a government as soon as Prime Minister Kaczynski steps down.

Mr. Kaczynski and his twin brother, President Lech Kaczynski, clashed frequently with the European Union over issues ranging from voting rights in the new EU treaty to environmental protection. They also clashed with Moscow over agricultural trade and energy issues.

Source: voanews.com