Polish-Russian relations have been troubled since time immemorial, and the post of ambassador to Moscow is a key one.
In this respect, Lech Kaczynski's choice of ambassador is an interesting one. Krzystof Zanussi is a hero of European cinema, but he is a relative novice in the world of politics. Yet this odd mixture is arguably his strength.
Zanussi won international acclaim during the 70s for his earnest films about the state of society in Poland. He is regarded as a dignified, gentlemanly figure of moral authority. In between shoots, he teaches film at the International Saas Fee School in Switzerland.
The post of ambassador to Russia has been vacant since November last year, when the former ambassador Stefan Meller received the job of Polish Foreign Minister. Things became rather dicey last Autumn when what seemed to be tit-for-tat muggings (by Polish and Russian thugs) dogged the staff of the Polish and Russian embassies in Moscow and Warsaw.
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