Statement by Jean-Claude Trichet, President of the ECB

Today, Jean-Claude Trichet, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), made the following statement on behalf of the ECB’s General Council, the ECB’s Executive Board and in his personal capacity:

“I am saddened and shocked by the news of the plane crash near Smolensk in Russia today. I express the sincerest condolences to the families of all the victims of this terrible accident. In this moment our thoughts go to the people of Poland which has today lost its President, Mr Lech Kaczyński, and many outstanding public servants of the Polish nation.

The General Council of the ECB deeply regrets the loss of its highly esteemed member, Mr Sławomir Skrzypek, President of Narodowy Bank Polski. We will remember Sławomir as a good friend and a dedicated professional, who made valuable contributions to the work of the General Council.”