THE CHAIRMAN of the opposition Movement for a Democratic Slovakia (HZDS), Vladimír Mečiar, believes a referendum should be held on the objection of conscience treaty between Slovakia and the Vatican, the TASR news agency wrote.
Mečiar also alleges that the debate now emerging on the issue ahead of scheduled September 2006 general elections is a ploy by the ruling coalition Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) to mobilize political support among Slovakia's churches and churchgoers.
According to PM Mikuláš Dzurinda, objections of conscience is a complex issue that requires time and care in its handling. "We should strive to find a text that is acceptable for the Catholic Church, the Holy See, the other churches as well as for atheists," Dzurinda said.
KDH chairman Pavol Hrušovský has said he will continue urging all MPs, including the opposition, to approve the agreement.
Compiled by Martina Jurinová from press reports
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