US President Barack Obama marked the 25th anniversary of the fall of communism in Poland in a special ceremony in Warsaw.<br /><br />The enduring theme of his visit to Europe is the US’s commitment to stand alongside nations in the east of Europe.<br /><br />On this the second day of his four-day trip he recalled Poland’s struggle to democracy before his rhetoric turned to events in Ukraine.<br /><br />“How can we allow the dark tactics of the 20th century to define the 21st?” he asked the audience which included heads of state and members of royalty.<br /><br />“We will not accept Russia’s occupation of Crimea or its violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty, “ he said<br />.<br />“As we’ve been reminded by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, “ he added, “ our free nations cannot be complacent in pursuit of the vision we share – a Europe that is whole and at peace.”
