Warsaw will not recall its consul from Oslo

The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that Kowalski will remain in agency in Norway. The diplomat is known for his work in helping Polish families, whom the Norwegian Child Welfare Services – Barnevernet is taking children away from and giving them to foster families.

Kowalski has been “in the bad books” of the Norwegian government for more than one and a half years. Oslo argued that Kowalski had referred to public persons “in a way, which cannot be reconciled with the role of a diplomat.” In the letter, the Norwegian foreign ministry underlined that this issue will not affect relations between Norway and Poland.

We believe, that the consul worked correctly and in accordance with his duties. He is effectively defending the interests of Polish families in Norway

“The Norwegian Foreign Ministry has asked us to consider the dismissal of the consul due to their accusations. We do not accept these accusations. We believe that the consul worked correctly and in accordance with his duties. He is effectively defending the interests of Polish families in Norway,” said Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk, the deputy Polish foreign minister. 

“We positively evaluate the work of the consul and don’t see a reason for him not to complete his term,” said the Polish deputy minister.

The Norwegian side has used disinformation, as the spokeswoman of the Norweigan Foreign Ministry Ane Haavards-datter Lunde claims that Kowalski has been dismissed and has three weeks to leave the country. 

Norway has a right to do so, but then Poland would have to dismiss the Norwegian consul, which would dramatically worsen the relations between the two countries.