Authorities confirm day of national mourning to pay homage to Polish president and others killed in plane crash

Authorities have confirmed that the Czech Republic will hold a day of national mourning in honour of the Polish President Lech Kaczynski and others killed in Saturday’s plane crash in Smolensk, Russia. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said that the president and government had agreed that it will be marked on the day of Mr Kaczynski’s funeral; a minute’s silence will be observed and flags on government buildings will be flown at half mast. The Polish president, his wife, and 94 others - part of a delegation en route to commemorate the victims of the Katyn massacre of 70 years ago – died when the presidential plane crashed on Saturday while trying to land. The Polish authorities have not yet revealed the date for Mr Kaczynski's funeral.