UKRAINE’s accession to NATO would be a big mistake, Prime Minister Robert Fico said during a political discussion on public broadcaster RTVS on September 6, adding that Slovakia’s eastern neighbour should remain neutral. The possibility of joining the EU is an opportunity for this country; however, adopting painful measures would be necessary, according to him.
Fico stated that he believes Ukraine is not ready to join NATO or the EU just yet, however. The most important thing at the moment is to help the country overcome its problems so that it can become more stable.
“Given the strategic location of Ukraine and taking into account the current circumstances, I would consider it a big mistake for Ukraine to join NATO at the moment,” Fico told RTVS, as quoted by the TASR newswire, adding that if Ukraine assumed a neutral position, this could help establish peace in the region.
However, Slovakia cannot significantly affect these political decisions, according to him.
“If the United States says that Ukraine will be in NATO, then it will [join the alliance],” Fico stated, as quoted by the TASR.
(Source: TASR)
Compiled by Roman Cuprik from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
