No Version of National Anthem Can Be Legally Defined as Only Binding One

Bratislava, January 8 (TASR) - According to the law on state symbols and their use, the national anthem of Slovakia is considered any presentation of the composition whose melody and lyrics correspond to the notation in the annex of the law, the Interior Ministry has stated, noting that no version of the national anthem can be legally defined as the only binding one. The ministry's spokesperson Matej Neumann explained, that no specific instrumental version of the national anthem has ever been, is, or can be codified as exclusive. "Such a measure would exclude the legal protection of other musical presentations of the anthem, which is not in the interest of the Slovak Republic," added he. He noted that issues related to the procurement of the anthem, the selection of the composer, and the contractual process fall under the Culture Ministry's agenda. The modified version of national anthem was prepared by the Culture Ministry in collaboration with the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra. It received a new arrangement after 32 years, and was created by Slovak composer, conductor, and producer Oskar Rozsa. The premiere took place in the first minutes of the new year. Before the new arrangement was introduced, the ministry stated that, according to the Interior Ministry's guidelines, it was recommended as the official national anthem of Slovakia, adding that older versions would still be allowed for use without sanctions after January 1. The Culture Ministry estimated the gradual implementation of the new arrangement. lin/mcs