波兰总统俄境内遇难 两国人民沉痛悼念

Investigators have recovered two black boxes from a plane that crashed in western Russia, killing 97 people. Polish President Lech Kaczynski, his wife and other high ranking officials were among the victims. Russia and Poland have both declared a day of mourning.

Mourners paid tribute to crash victims on Saturday in Russia and Poland. Flowers and lit candles filled the streets in Warsaw, where thousands prayed for their those killed.

Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev, and Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, also lit candles and prayed.

Later, Putin arrived at the crash site and directed search efforts.

Putin said, "We need to do everything possible to determine the cause of this tragedy as soon as possible. That's the first task. The second is to help the relatives of those killed."

Aviation authorities recalled the plane's final moments.

Alexander Alyoshin, Deputy-chief Russian Air Force's General Staff, said, "Air traffic control instructed the crew to maintain a horizontal position. But they failed to do this, and continued the plane's descent."

Officials say the plane crashed due to poor visibility. It was attempting to land in fog. The wings of the plane clipped the tops of trees, as it crashed into the forest.

Kaczynski was travelling to attend a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the Katyn Forest massacre...when thousands of Poles were killed by Soviet secret police.

Poland's parliament speaker has assumed presidential duties. According to the country's constitution, elections must be announced within 14 days of the president's death.

A vote must then be held within another 60 days. This means Poland will hold its presidential election before June the 20th.

莱赫·卡钦斯基简历：

1949年6月18日生于华沙。1971年毕业于华沙大学法律行政系，获劳动法学博士。1971年任革但斯克大学助教。

1980年任革但斯克厂际罢工委员会顾问，1981年当选为革但斯克地区团结工会执委会委员，后遭到当局监禁。1986年任团结工会全国执委会秘书。1989年2～4月参加"圆桌会议"。

1990年5月～1991年2月任团结工会第一副主席。1991年3～10月任瓦文萨总统办公厅安全事务国务秘书。1991年10月当选第一届众议院议员，并任众议院行政内务委员会主席。1992年2月～1995年5月任最高监察院院长。

1995年9月曾参加总统选举，后退出竞选。2000年6月～2001年7月任司法部长。2001年创建法律与公正党并任主席。2002年11月当选为华沙市长。2005年10月当选为波兰共和国第四任总统，并于12月23日正式就任。已婚，有一女。