Sutaj Estok Sees No Need to Change Values in Foreign Policy Memorandum

Bratislava, January 8 (TASR) - The coalition Voice-SD party doesn't see a need to change the basic values of the memorandum on foreign policy signed by the three most senior constitutional officials, Voice-SD chairman Matus Sutaj Estok said in a statement, adding that they understand Premier Robert Fico's (Smer-SD) reasons for a possible addition to the memorandum, however, it must preserve Slovakia's clear anchoring in the European Union and NATO. According to the Voice-SD leader, Slovakia's anchoring in the EU and NATO clearly follows from the government manifesto as well as from the memorandum signed by the three highest constitutional officials. "As a party, we fully identify with this memorandum and see no need to change its basic values. At the same time, we understand the prime minister's reasons for possible broader additions to the memorandum, but we stress once again that it must preserve Slovakia's clear anchoring in the European Union and NATO," stated Sutaj Estok. The premier stated on Tuesday (January 7) that he intends to propose to the most senior constitutional officials and the leaders of the coalition parties to issue a statement on Slovakia's foreign policy orientation. He stated that it would be a response to the rise of opinions contrary to those promoted by Brussels and the denial of fundamental democratic principles. According to Fico, the statement will also define the principles that Slovakia follows in foreign policy matters. In his response to the proposal, President Peter Pellegrini stated that the declaration on Slovakia's foreign policy, signed four months ago by the three highest constitutional officials, currently provides sufficient space for the daily political work. According to him, the declaration clearly defines Slovakia's firm anchoring in the European Union and the North Atlantic Alliance, while also affirming Slovakia's right to pursue a sovereign foreign affairs policy oriented towards all four cardinal directions. However, the president is ready to discuss this issue after the election of a House chair. am/mcs