Lech Parell, the fresh Head of the Office for Combatants and Represented Persons, powerfully expressed his support for Danuta Wałęsa, recognising her undeniable contribution to the anti-communist opposition. In a conversation in PAP, Parell criticised erstwhile decisions that did not grant Danuta Wałęsa the position of activist, calling them "obcessional" and "scandalous".
Danuta Wałęsa, although frequently seen mainly as the wife of Lech Wałęsa, played a key function as a liaison between her interned husband and the remainder of the world, both in Poland and abroad.
Parell recalled how Danuta provided crucial information from the internment camp to the Episcopal, another opposition activists, and to the national and abroad press. Additionally, the birth of her daughter in March 1982 and her baptism, which became an anti-communist manifestation, showed her commitment to the cause.
Danuta Wałęsa became an honorary star. She received this title in designation of her merits and contribution to opposition activities and for the support she gave to her husband, Lech Wałęsa, during his presidency and earlier, during the fight against the communist government in Poland. The title of an honorary citizen of the city of Gdańsk is 1 of the highest distinctions awarded by this city, symbolizing deep respect and appreciation for its contribution to its past and development.
Statement by Lech Parella
Lech Parell powerfully stated that during his word the Office would follow the principles of objectivity in assessing the anti-communist opposition. The head of the UdSKYOR stressed that he would not let decisions to be motivated by political sympathy or antipathy. He besides pointed out that individual views or political affiliations of activists would not affect the decisions of the Authority on the confirmation of their status.
Reactions to the establishment of Parella and its openness to dialogue
Parell besides mentioned that his appointment as Head of the Office met with the protest and resignation of most members of the Gdańsk Committee Council, which he interprets as a deficiency of objectivity from erstwhile decision-makers. He declared openness to dialog with all the groups, both left-wing and right-wing, to show his neutral approach to the issue of the assessment of anti-communist opposition activists.
Lech Parell, with the intention of carrying out reforms and ensuring equal treatment for all activists, stressed that his word of office in the Office for Combatants and People Repressed would be sometimes delicate to the needs and demands of all the communities associated with the fight for freedom and independency of Poland.
PAP/mn
