KDH: Gas Situation Caused by Gov't's Foreign Policy

Bratislava, January 9 (TASR) - The current gas situation and the change in Ukraine's stance are the result of the manner, in which the Slovak government conducts its foreign policy and its deteriorating ties with the EU and Ukraine, opposition KDH declared on Thursday. "The European Commission is obligated to defend the interests of its members, but it must also be emphasised that Robert Fico is obligated to defend, first and foremost, the interests of the people in Slovakia. In that regard, however, we see serious shortcomings. KDH was urging the government of Robert Fico to start addressing the transit of Russian gas via Ukraine before it was too late. The current situation and the change in Ukraine's stance, however, are the effects of the manner, in which our government currently conducts its foreign policy and its deteriorating ties with those who are crucial for addressing this strategic interest of ours - namely, the EU and Ukraine. And this is not a sovereign policy in four cardinal directions, as it is falsely presented by Robert Fico," stated the KDH in its press release. In the view of the Christian Democrats, the government is only using the gas situation as a red herring to divert attention away from domestic problems. "The problems are collapsing health system, price hikes and extensive cuts on our families and children. KDH takes these dangers as seriously as the financial loss caused by the discontinued gas transit, as it hurts our people in a similar way. We also find it absolutely low to aim the reciprocal measures against Ukraine, as proposed by the Prime Minister, against the hard-tested victims of the war and our citizens too, as these will do nothing but cause even more economic losses," said the KDH. mf/mcs