text: U ok with statement?Statement by the SecretaryThe Death of Polish President Kaczynski and His DelegationI join President Obama in offering my deepest condolences to the people of Poland to the Kaczynski family and to thefamilies of all those killed in this tragedy. Lost alongside President Kaczynski and his wife were Polish leaders fromacross the political spectrum men and women who shaped and sped Poland's post-1989 democratic transformation andwere leading Poland into its promising future. The tragedy of these lives cut short will be felt deeply across the worldbut their legacy will live on in a free and flourishing Poland.The United States stands with the Polish people in this difficult hour. Like the country he led President Kaczynski wasone of America's most valued and trusted allies. He was well known in the United States as a champion for democracyagainst an oppressive regime a man whose journey took him from the Gdatisk Shipyards to the presidency of a freepeople. President Kaczynski was an unstinting advocate for freedom and human rights not just in Poland but aroundthe world. He will be long remembered and sorely missed.The Polish people have endured more than their share of sorrow but they have always shown resilience and resolve inthe face of adversity -- and I know they will pull- together in solidarity to grieve this loss.My thoughts and prayers are with all the people of Poland today.