SLOVAKIA is ready to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. In this role it would take on responsibility for the world's stability and security, Slovak President Ivan Gašparovič said in a speech to the UN General Assembly in New York on September 17, the TASR news agency reported.
Gašparovič told his audience that if Slovakia succeeded in securing the post, it would be doing so at a time when the world is looking for a new security consensus. "The international community faces new threats, and the UN has to make great efforts to secure peace and security in the world. It will be a challenge for Slovakia as a new UN Security Council member to join in this effort," said Gašparovič.
Gašparovič named terrorism as the biggest threat to world security, and expressed his appreciation for the fact that the recent UN summit final document condemns terrorism. He stressed that Slovakia strongly rejects violence, hate and blind fanaticism.
Slovakia's foreign policy priority is stability in the western Balkans. It supports UN efforts in the region by taking part in peacekeeping missions. Slovakia regards the securing of Kosovo's future status as key to the region's stability.
Gašparovič also pointed out that Slovakia has changed from a country that received international aid into a donor state. It is now providing financial aid to about 70 developing countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. This year it forgave developing countries debts worth hundreds of millions of US dollars, which is no small amount given the size of the Slovak economy.
Compiled by Marta Ďurianová from press reports
TheSlovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the informationpresented in its Flash News postings.
