RULING parties agreed on the draft amendment to the law on the protection of sensitive information with slight changes to the original draft proposed by the National Security Office (NBÚ).
As opposed to the NBÚ's proposal, the coalition has enlarged the circle of officials that will be exempt from security screenings, the daily Sme reported. MPs, cabinet ministers, and judges - except for those working with the special court will not have to undergo the vetting.
The special court will be set up to deal with crimes committed by top state officials while in office.
Coalition parties also agreed on October 21 that the cabinet would elect heads of the NBÚ for four-year terms. Those not granted access to the information on their screening will have the right to demand an explanation from the NBÚ and will also be entitled to appeal against the decision.
Former communist secret service (ŠtB) members will not pass the screening. Those who do not pass will be barred from positions with access to sensitive NATO information. The draft also includes a list of institutions in the former Soviet Union whose graduates cannot pass screening.
Compiled by Martina Pisárová from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
23. Oct 2003 at 11:51
