Kováč: failure to get into EU, NATO lies with Mečiar

Attending the first Central and East European Economic Summit in Salzburg, President Michal Kováč said on July 9 that Slovakia must make changes if it wants to gain NATO and EU membership, Slovak and international media reported. Kováč said political infighting could have a negative impact on Slovakia's integration efforts and on its economy. He said if Slovakia falls from the first tier of east European countries in line for EU membership, "the responsibility will lie with Prime Minister Vladimír Mečiar and his government."