Defence Minister Kalinak Optimistic About Coalition Agreement, Jaurova Not

(TA3, 'V politike', March 16) Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) is optimistic about the coalition agreement, while opposition MP Zora Jaurova (Progressive Slovakia/PS) believes it's uncertain whether the situation will be resolved in the March session and that the coalition should consider early election, the MPs said on TA3's discussion programme 'V politike' (In Politics) on Sunday. "We want it [the coalition] to function in an organised manner for a long time once everything is negotiated," said Kalinak. Jaurova described the current coalition as a government in resignation, which has only managed to pass the most essential laws. "It's not only the opposition but also the coalition that should seriously consider early election," she stated. They also discussed a proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Kalinak confirmed that Smer-SD supports any efforts towards a ceasefire and peace. Jaurova praised the Defence Minister for urging Russia to follow the ceasefire proposal and expressed hope that Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) would do the same. However, she believes Russia is currently not interested in accepting peace terms. Kalinak mentioned hearing that Putin agrees to a ceasefire, but there are other factors at play. Both agreed on the need to create a unified defence policy. In response to a question about accepting an invitation from President Peter Pellegrini for a roundtable discussion aimed at unifying Slovakia's foreign policy stance, Jaurova said that PS will take part in such discussions. In response to allegations regarding the villa in Croatia, Kalinak stated that House Conflict of Interest Committee chair Veronika Remisova ('Slovakia'-For the People-KU), abused her position and should not have disclosed the information. Jaurova expects the committee to address the matter and hopes the coalition will not block it. lin