Negotiator in missile talks is out

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk dismissed the official who was leading talks with Washington on placing part of a U.S. missile defense system in the country, saying his performance was not satisfactory.

Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski will assume the post held by Deputy Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski.

Tusk also said he was angry over an interview Waszczykowski gave to a newsmagazine in which he criticized the prime minister for his stance in the talks.

Last month, Tusk rejected the latest U.S. offer aimed at getting Poland to accept the missile defense base. Tusk said at the time that the proposal fell short of strengthening Poland’s security.