Former justice minister Ján Čarnogurský launched a petition to force a referendum on Slovakia's NATO entry. The petition needs 350,000 signatures to win a plebiscite, which cabinet officials fear could result in the rejection of Alliance membership.
Under Slovak law, referendums must attract over 50 per cent of eligible voters for their results to be valid.
Opinion polls last year showed public support for NATO entry ranging from 52 to 58 per cent.
Compiled by Tom Nicholson from press reports.
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
