A plane crash in Western Russian killed
Polish President Lech Kaczynski and the other 96 political and military
officials on board on April 10. The accident has led to huge national mourning
in Poland. But it may provide an opportunity for reconciliation (和解) between Poland and Russia,
countries that have a troubled relationship.
Many from the political elite were lost in
the crash. Beside the president, the dead include the army chief of Staff, the
head of National Security Bureau, the national bank president, the deputy
foreign minister and other members of parliament.
The Polish delegation was heading to Russia
to mark the 70 th anniversary of the Katyn Massacre (屠杀) when the accident occurred.
In 1940, about 22,000 Polish soldiers, intellectuals, and officials captured
after the Soviet Army invaded Poland in 1939, were killed secretly by Soviet
police in the forest of Russia’s Katyn.
The Katyn Massacre had been a sensitive
topic between the countries. The former Soviet Union always denied
responsibility for the massacre. It was not until 1992 that Russian released
archived documents about the killing.
Katyn is merely a short chapter in Poland
and Russia’s long and troubled history. In the 18 th century, along with
Prussia, (then an important part of Germany) and Austria. Russia participated
in three carve – ups of Poland. In 1795, after the third carve – up, the
country was erased from the map of Europe. It was in 1918 that Poland regained
its independence. But in 1939, at the beginning of the World War II, it was
invaded by Germany and the Soviet Union under a secret pact. After the war,
Poland became a communist country with close ties to the Soviet Union.
In 1989, Poland switched to capitalism and
pursued a pro – West position. The most recent tension between the two
countries was in 2008. That year, Poland decided to have a US missile shield (导弹防御系统) on its soil, while
neighboring Russia threatened to aim missiles at Poland.
But the plane crash has created a chance
for reconciliation, with Russia sharing the sadness of Poland. Russia has
declared April 12 a day of mourning for the victims. Flags flew at half – mast
in Moscow. And earlier on April 7, Russia Prime Minister Vladimir Putin became
the first Russian leader to mark the anniversary of the massacre.
“I think it should improve relations
between the two countries, as Russians feel our grief,” said Radek Sikorski,
Pland’s foreign minister.
66.Put the following events in order of time.
①The Katyn Massacre
②Poland switched to capitalism.
③Russia divided Poland with Austria and
Prussia.
④Poland became a communist country.
⑤Poland was invaded by the Soviet Army.
A.③①④⑤② B.③⑤①④②
C.①③⑤④② D.①⑤②④③
67.After the accident, which of the following did Russia do to share
the sadness of Poland?
A.Flags were lowed to half – mast in the capital city of Russia.
B.Russia threatened to aim missiles at Poland.
C.Russia declared the day when the accident happened a day of mourning
for the victims.
D.Vladimir Putin marked the anniversary of the massacre.
68.Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A.The Katyn Massacre was the very beginning of Poland and Russia’s
trouble relationship.
B.In 1939 about 22,000 Polish soldiers, intellectuals, and officials
were killed by Soviet police in the forest of Russia’s Katyn.
C.Altogether 96 political and military officials were killed in the
accident.
D.The relationship between Poland and Russia has not always been tense
since the three carve – ups of Poland in the 18 th century.
69.It can be conclude from the article
that .
A.the relationship between Poland and Russia will be even tenser than
before
B.Poland will cancel its plan to mark the anniversary of the Katyn
Massacre
C.no Russian leaders have marked the anniversary of the massacre
before, though Russia released the truth in 1992.
D.Poland will forgive Russians, for they showed great sympathy after
the accident.
70.What would be the best title for the passage?
A.The troubled relationship between Russia and Poland.
B.Poland and Russia united by tragedy.
C.The 70 th anniversary of the Katyn Massacre.
D.A plane crash killing Polish president.