Ambassador Ashe met with Nobel Laureate and former Polish President Lech Walesa January 10 in Warsaw. Walesa told the Ambassador that a new era of American leadership was needed to create programs and multilateral structures that reflect the reality of the post-Cold War world. "The world needs the United States, you are indispensable," Walesa said. Walesa indicated he would spread this message during his upcoming visits to the United States. Walesa also discussed his work on the EU Reflection Group, stating that the ongoing gas dispute between Russia and Ukraine shows a clear need for EU solidarity on energy and a unified Russia policy. Walesa expressed his appreciation for Ambassador Ashe's efforts to strengthen U.S.-Polish relations during his tenure in Warsaw.