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Tags: bronislaw geremek, communist rule, democracy and human rights, democracy award, democratic reformers, democratic rights, dissidence, election observation, european parliament, fascism and communism, founding father, inalienable right, longtime friendship, mail, national democratic institute, polish patriot, public servant, rights and democracy, strength of character, twin scourges,
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Language: english
Created: Tue Jul 15 14:23:50 2008
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July 15, 2008

 NDI MOURNS THE LOSS OF POLISH PATRIOT AND DEMOCRACY CHAMPION
                      BRONISLAW GEREMEK


The National Democratic Institute expresses to family, friends, and colleagues its condolences at
the untimely passing of Bronislaw Geremek, a Polish patriot and global champion of democracy
and human rights.

Born in inter-war Poland, Geremek was molded by the twin scourges of fascism and
communism, and imbued with the courage to fight dictatorship of all stripes. His resolute
dissidence to communist rule sparked a light first seen in Gdansk, and then in the rest of the
country as millions stood up to claim their freedom and dignity. Geremek became a founding
father of a new, democratic Poland.

He was an academic by vocation, an activist at heart, and a dedicated public servant. Together
with his Solidarity colleagues, Geremek showed strength of character in upholding people's
inalienable right to freedom and demonstrating that fundamental political change can be
achieved peacefully. As Poland's Foreign Minister and then as a Member of the European
Parliament, Geremek exercised a tireless, clear, and consummate voice on human rights and
democracy across the globe. He spoke often of how the external support he received as a
dissident kept his hope alive, and he returned the favor.

NDI is proud of its longtime friendship with Geremek, and the Institute took inspiration from his
solidarity with democratic reformers around the world. He co-led an NDI election observation
delegation to Kyiv in 2004, supporting the efforts of the citizens of Ukraine to secure their
democratic rights. NDI was proud to bestow upon him its 2004 Harriman Democracy Award in
recognition of his deep and abiding commitment to democratic values.

NDI joins the people of Poland and Bronislaw Geremek's many friends and admirers worldwide
in mourning his loss, celebrating his life and honoring his legacy.


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