Poland puts off introduction of visas with Russia, Ukraine and Belarus until October 1

Poland has postponed the introduction of a visa regime with Russia, Ukraine and Belarus from July 1 to October 1, the Polish Foreign Ministry said Saturday. The official communique circulated in Warsaw says such an action was taken "to meet the interests of Polish citizens going to these countries during summer holidays." It is pointed out in the communique that the Polish authorities have informed the European Commission about the new date fixed for introducing the visa regime with its eastern neighbors. In this way, the communique says, the Polish side has complied with the recommended six-month term for the functioning of the visa regime before the country enters the European Union. Poland is to join the EU next May.