THE SLOVAK cabinet will not use the Bush-Putin visit to discuss the eventual buyback of Transpetrol shares from Russian oil giant Yukos, according to the daily Pravda.
The issue is viewed as a key issue in present Slovak-Russian relations.
In December 2004 the US State Department confirmed that President Bush would like to raise the matter of Yukos with President Putin.
Slovak officials are more cautious about the issue. The Prime Minister's spokesperson, Martin Maruška, said that Mikuláš Dzurinda does not have a clearly formulated idea of the stand the Slovak cabinet wants to take.
According to the Economy Ministry, the key issue discussed during Slovakia's meeting with Putin will be Slovak-Russian trade.
On Friday, February 25th the Economy Ministers of both countries, will sign a cooperation agreement on the economy and technology.
Compiled by Spectator staff from press reports23. Feb 2005 at 12:45
