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| State Secretary Brocková Receives the Ambassador of Slovenia, Gregor Kozovinc - Today (12 August 2020) State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Ingrid Brocková, held talks with the Ambassador of Slovenia to the Slovak Republic, Gregor Kozovinc.
Both partners expressed their appreciation for the quality of mutual relations that has also been attested to by the recent official visit to Slovakia by the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor. “The overall success of this visit was also significantly contributed to by the Slovak-Slovenian Business Forum, according to the feedback of Slovenia. This Forum primarily focused on the support of innovation cooperation and helped create new partnerships between Slovak and Slovenian businessmen in areas such as the green economy, the circular economy, electromobility, digitalization and artificial intelligence,” stated Brocková.
Together with her Slovenian partner, the State Secretary also touched on the measures that both countries have adopted in the fight against coronavirus, and the cooperation in international economic organizations as well as the mutual support for candidates for positions in international institutions. They also exchanged views on the cooperation in the context of the Three Seas Initiative
12.08.2020 mzv |
| Slovak Foreign and European Affairs State Secretary Ingrid Brocková Receives the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Lijie Sun - “Slovakia is interested in a pragmatic and results-oriented economic cooperation with China. We have the potential to approach the Chinese market with quality. This is true for the sphere of engineering as well as for agricultural products. One promising project is the development of an intermodal terminal in Košice,” said the State Secretary.
In relation to the coronavirus pandemic both partners expressed their appreciation for the mutual material assistance that the countries provided in the initial phases of the pandemic.
“Our European positions differ on some foreign policy topics, for example vis-à-vis Hong Kong and the South China Sea. However, our role is to have a dialogue. In doing so we cannot forget the need for the search for a consensus in multilateral solutions to current challenges, such as the protection of the environment, digital transformation, the agenda of promoting free trade and suppressing protectionism, and providing peace and security in the world. China is an important partner for the Slovak Republic and the European Union,” highlighted Brocková.
The Slovak Republic cooperates with China, not only bilaterally but primarily in the EU-China format and in the 17+1 format that we see as complementary to the cooperation of the European Union and China.
12.08.2020 mzv |
| Minister Lajčák received general and honorary consuls active in Istanbul -
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic Miroslav Lajčák today (May 16, 2014) received an almost thirty-member delegation of general and honorary consuls active in Istanbul. The delegation was accompanied by the Slovak general consul active in this Turkish economic metropolis Jozef Šesták, who has organized the visit to Slovakia. Successful businessmen make up the majority of honorary consular corps members, and hence the meeting was primarily targeted at the presentation of Slovakia and at the effort to make good use of the thus unused potential in mutual trade and commerce. In his address, Lajčák presented the successful story of Slovakia, the solid place of our country in euro-Atlantic structures, as well as the good level of Slovak-Turkish relations. Members of the Istanbul consular corps were also interested in the evaluation of the situation in Ukraine from the Slovak perspective and its possible impact on our country.
During the meeting, Miroslav Lajčák also offered Ambassador of Turkey Gülhan Ulutekin his sympathies over the tragic mine accident in Soma, which claimed almost 300 victims.
During the four-day stay in Slovakia, the delegation of the consular corps from Turkey will also visit cultural sites and monuments in Bratislava, as well the castle of Červený Kameň and wine region of the Small Carpathians.
16.05.2014 |
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| Festive opening of honorary consulate in Odessa hosted by Minister Lajčák - Miroslav Lajčák, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, visited the Ukrainian city of Odessa today (April 7, 2014) to festively open the new honorary consulate of the Slovak Republic, led by Honorary Consul Mychail Muzalev. In his opening address Minister Lajčák accentuated that Slovakia is interested in universal development of relationships with Ukraine. “Ukraine is an important neighbour of ours, and besides Slovakia’s interest in strengthening political dialogue we want to develop trade and economic cooperation as well as relations in culture and tourism. The opening of the honorary consulate clearly attests to the importance Slovakia attributes to its eastern neighbour,” stated the Slovak minster. Odessa is the largest city with the biggest port on the Ukrainian Black Sea coast.
During the talks with Volodymyr Nemyrovsky, the governor of the Odessa region, Minister Lajčák stressed that Slovakia supports independence, sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Ukraine. “We consider respecting international agreements to be an inviolable principle whose violation results in jeopardy of many years of peace, stability and international political equilibrium in Europe,” he said. “Slovakia has been supporting the process of political affiliation and economic integration of Ukraine with the European Union and is ready to share its experience to assist Ukraine in implementation of political and economic reforms in the country.”
The minister also favoured the earliest possible signing of an agreement on cooperation between the Žilina Self-Governing Region and the Odessa region. The agreement is ready and its signing has been delayed due to present developments in Ukraine. The Žilina Self-Governing Region and the Odessa region rank among the most attractive tourist destinations in both countries and the opening of the honorary consulate of Slovakia in Odessa is a step that can foster the mutual development of tourism.
7.04.2014 MZV |
| The American fund bought 30 percent of an external debt of Ukraine - The investment fund from the USA Franklin Templeton got the Ukrainian state bonds for total amount five billion dollars.
The fund bought in the world financial market the state bonds of Ukraine for the nominal sum of 5 billion dollars that makes the fifth part of all national debt of the country. The amount of transaction isn’t disclosed. Thus, one of the largest American investment funds became the holder of state bonds of Ukraine while the country is on the verge of financial crisis. According to Financial Times, in the world markets expect considerable deterioration of a financial position of Ukraine already in the nearest future. “The situation is very simple: Ukraine appeared before threat of considerable shortage of cash and funds”, – the leading analyst of the American bank Morgan Stanley Paolo Batori declared to the newspaper. According to him, Kiev “won’t be able simply to cope with the next wave of outflow of the capital”.
The fund also possesses bonds of Ireland bought on time of financial crisis. Experts of the edition believe that in a case with Ukraine the American fund intends to repeat success of acquisition of the state bonds of Ireland: then this purchase allowed to get large profit after Dublin was assisted by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund. At the same time experts note that in a case with Ukraine risk much more. The American analysts agree in opinion that to Ukraine not to overcome crisis without intervention of the third party – IMF or Russia, reports BFM.ru.
11.11.2013 |
| Fourth session of EU-Russia Migration Dialogue - The fourth session of the EU-Russia Migration Dialogue focused on the legal migration issues has been held in the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic today (February 7, 2013). This was an expert meeting of the European Commission and individual EU member countries on one side and representatives of the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation and other involved Russian institutions on the other.
The participants were welcomed by State Secretary Peter Burian, who stressed the importance of legal migration as one of the key factors for reinforcing contacts between the EU and Russia, as well as their respective citizens. Burian highlighted the fact that cooperation in this area forms an important part of the strategic partnership between both sides, which mutually benefit from the mobility people enjoy at the international level. Opening remarks were further made by Rob Rozenburg on behalf of the European Commission, Ambassador of the Irish Republic Barry McElduff on behalf of the EU Presidency, and State Secretary Yekaterina Yegorova on behalf of the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation. There were 24 EU-member countries participating in the dialogue.
The decision on creating a special platform for the discussion on migration issues between the EU and the Russian Federation were adopted at the 14th session of the EU-Russia Permanent Partnership Council in 2011. The EU-Russia Migration Dialogue is aimed at searching for joint attitudes and solutions in relation to common challenges, as well as improving management of migration flows in the climate of partnership and cooperation. The priority spheres have been defined – legal migration, international protection, prevention of illegal migration, and migration-development policy ties.
7.02.2013 MZV |
| Lajcak Visits Montenegro, Espresses Support for EU & NATO Integration - Slovak Foreign Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajcak held talks on Thursday with Montenegrin top state representatives during his official visit to Podgorica, TASR learnt from the ministry press department on the same day.
Discussions focused on EU and NATO integration, development of the situation in the Western Balkans and bilateral relations,
Lajcak began his visit with Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic and then met Parliamentary Chairman Ranko Krivokapic, Prime Minister Igor Luksic and a number of ministers.
Montenegrin representatives expressed their appreciation for the role of Slovak diplomacy in 2006 in the process of restoring the country's statehood after decades in a federation with Serbia and previously the former Yugoslavia. Lajcak at that time served as the EU's envoy to the Montenegrin independence referendum in May 2006.
Representatives of Montenegro also described Slovakia as an example for their country, and expressed an interest in developing privileged mutual relations with Bratislava and in Slovakia's assistance to Montenegro's path towards the EU and NATO.
Lajcak praised Montenegro's progress made in key priorities. "Slovakia supports opening of the accession talks for Montenegro as soon as this month ... You have to prepare carefully for these. We're ready to help you with concrete measures," Lajcak assured.
When it comes to the Montenegro's chance to integrate into the transatlantic structures, Lajcak said Slovakia is fully on the side of the Balkan country. According to him, Montenegro has a good deal of credit ... and there is a real possibility that it could receive an invitation to join at the next summit, which takes place in two years.
Later on the same day, Lajcak and his counterpart Milan Rocen signed an Agreement on Development Aid and declared their preparedness to strengthen bilateral ties.
"This agreement will enable us to provide Montenegro with bilateral assistance in many spheres. We would also be pleased if our excellent bilateral relations move forward to the sphere of economic co-operation, twinning projects and the use of EU Funds," said Lajcak.
Lajcak is moving on to Bosnia and Herzegovina on his tour around Balkans, where he has an established track record – including being the top representative of both the UN and the EU in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
8.06.2012 TASR |
| Sauli Niinisto elected as new president of Finland - HELSINKI, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Finland's conservative front-runner Sauli Niinisto from the National Coalition Party was elected on Sunday as the country's new president in the second round of voting in the Finnish presidential election.
Niinisto, 63, won 62.6 percent of the votes, while his competitor Green League candidate Pekka Haavisto bagged 37.4 percent. Niinisto had failed to secure more than 50 percent of the votes in the first round of voting held on Jan. 22.
A veteran politician, Niinisto had served as a member of the Finnish Parliament in 1987. From 1994 to 2001, he was the chairman of the National Coalition Party of Finland. He served as Minister of Justice in the following two years, and from 1996 to 2003, he was the Minister of Finance. From 2007 to 2011, he also served as the Speaker of the Finnish Parliament.
Niinisto will be sworn in on March 1, replacing Tarja Halonen, the country's first female president, who has served for two six-year terms. His victory ended the Finnish Social Democratic Party's three-decade-long holding of the country's presidency.
Under the Finnish Constitution, the president is elected directly by citizens for a term of six years. No president may serve for more than two consecutive terms.
Powers of the Finnish president have diminished rapidly over the past 20 years, whilst powers of the cabinet and parliament were significantly strengthened.
The president no longer has the right to individually set foreign policies, which are to be jointly formulated by the president and the cabinet. However, the president still plays an important role in the fields of foreign and security policy making in Finland.
In terms of internal affairs, the Finnish president's influence is also quite limited. The president can only appoint the prime minister according to the parliament's proposal.
Niinisto's victory in Finland's presidential election is not expected to lead to dramatic changes to the course of the country's foreign policies.
Niinisto has previously emphasized that Finland would open to the whole world, and continue to further relations with all countries in the global community.
Above all, the country would maintain close relations with neighboring Russia, and further strengthen cooperation with other Nordic countries. In the mean time, it will also seek to continue to keep good relations with the United States, and enhance friendly ties with China.
Niinisto also maintained that Finland should play a constructive role in Europe, amid an escalating sovereign debt crisis that has plagued the 17-member eurozone for more than two years, and threatened to spark a financial maelstrom across the world.
He claimed that the eurozone should return to the no-aid principle, which means member states should not provide any aid to their troubled peers who had fallen into a financial crisis.
Commenting on Finland's potential NATO membership, Niinisto said if the country were to join the intergovernmental military alliance in the future, the issue should be resolved by a way of referendum.
On internal policies, Niinisto has promised to focus on youth employment, and to make greater efforts to improve the living conditions of young Finns.
He has also called on Finns to work hard and promote innovation in order to boost the country's economic recovery and growth.
English.news.cn
5.02.2012 |
| Iran's leader arrives in Venezuela to meet Chavez - By PATRACIA RONDON ESPIN
Associated Press
CARACAS, Venezuela -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad began a four-nation Latin American tour Sunday aiming to show off relationships with allies as tensions grow over Iran's nuclear program.
It is the Iranian leader's fifth visit to Venezuela. He will also travel to Nicaragua, Cuba and Ecuador.
Tensions have been rising in the Mideast as Iran has warned it could retaliate against newly tightened U.S. sanctions by blocking shipping lanes out of the Persian Gulf. A large share of the world's oil tanker traffic passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Ahmadinejad smiled and waved but made no comments as he stepped off a plane Sunday evening at Simon Bolivar International Airport near Caracas. He was greeted by Vice President Elias Jaua and other Venezuelan officials.
The Iranian leader was scheduled to meet Monday with his longtime ally President Hugo Chavez, who was on a trip in eastern Venezuela on Sunday.
Several hours before Ahmadinejad's arrival, Chavez rebuffed calls by U.S. officials for countries to insist that Iran stop defying international efforts to assess its nuclear program.
"What the empire does is make you laugh, in its desperation to do something they won't be able to do: dominate this world," Chavez said.
The U.S. and its allies accuse Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear energy program. France has been pressing the European Union to impose additional sanctions.
Chavez and his allies in the left-leaning Bolivarian Alliance, or ALBA bloc, have backed Iran in the dispute.
Chavez praised Iran's military industry, noting that it has long-range missiles.
He suggested that is a major reason why the U.S. "empire is trying to put the brakes on them, using as an excuse the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes."
He also dismissed speculation by some officials in Washington that Iran might eventually be able to use Latin American countries to stage attacks on U.S. interests.
"That must be looked at carefully because it's a threat against us," Chavez said. "We aren't a threat to anyone. We just have rights and we're sovereign."
Ahmadinejad and Chavez both plan to travel to Nicaragua for Tuesday's inauguration of newly re-elected President Daniel Ortega.
9.01.2012
www.miamiherald.com |
| Czech Republic to grant asylum to Yulia Tymoshenko’s husband - The Czech Republic will grant political asylum to Oleksandr Tymoshenko, the husband of the jailed former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. Mr Tymoshenko reportedly filed his petition at the end of last year with the Czech Interior Ministry which is resolved to comply with the request, according to the foreign minister.
6.01.2012 www.radio.cz
Oleksandr Tymoshenko, Yulia Tymoshenko, photo: CTK Oleksandr Tymoshenko, whose wife Yulia served two terms as the prime minister of Ukraine and was controversially sentenced to seven years in prison in October, will be granted political asylum in the Czech Republic. Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg told Czech Radio in no uncertain terms on Friday that the Interior Ministry had already agreed to comply.
“Earlier this week, people from the Interior Ministry came to the Foreign Ministry to discuss the issue and its various aspects. It was clear from the talks that the Interior Ministry is resolved to grant the asylum.
“Then I met the minister of interior in the smoking lounge during a break in the government‘s session, and asked him whether this was true, and he said that it was.”
The Czech daily Právo reported that Oleksandr Tymoshenko had links to the Czech Republic, as he is co-owner of a trading firm registered in the northern city of Ústí nad Labem. The Czech Republic has also been one of the most vocal critics of the trial with Yulia Tymoshenko, who last year landed a seven-year prison sentence and a multi-million dollar fine for alleged abuse of power while in office.
Karel Schwarzenberg, photo: archive of the Czech government Her husband will be the second high-profile Ukrainian to receive asylum in the country; last year, the Czech authorities granted asylum to Bohdan Danylyshyn, the former economy minister in Yulia Tymoshenko’s government. His case sparked a diplomatic row between the two countries. But analyst Jiří Kratochvíl, from Prague’s Institute of International Relations affiliated with the Czech Foreign Ministry, expects no serious repercussions.
“I think that a serious downgrading of Czech-Ukrainian relations is highly improbable. I think that most likely it will be limited to certain diplomatic moves, such as recalling the Ukrainian ambassador for consultations, or exchanging sharp diplomatic notes.
“But I think it will have no impact on the economy, or such issues as visas or migration in general. Many of these issues are not purely bilateral, and Ukraine’s leaders will think twice before angering the EU.”
For his part, the opposition Social Democrat shadow foreign minister, Lubomír Zaorálek, says his party is not opposed to the decision to grant Mr Tymoshenko asylum in the Czech Republic.
Lubomír Zaorálek “The issue is between the Interior Ministry and the person who is applying. There are certain conditions that need to be met for asylum to be granted, and if they are met in this case, I have no problem with the possible decision by the Ministry of Interior. It’s a priority now, and I see no other option.”
The Interior Ministry, which deals with the asylum agenda, has refused to comment on the issue.
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| Iran parliament votes to downgrade relations with UK - Iran's parliament has voted by a large majority to downgrade diplomatic relations with the UK.
The move comes after the UK Treasury imposed sanctions on Iranian banks on Tuesday, accusing them of facilitating the country's nuclear programme.
Iranian radio reported some MPs chanted "Death to Britain" during the vote, which was approved by 87% of MPs.
The move needs approval by Iran's Guardian Council, which vets all legislation, before it can take effect.
"This bill is only the beginning," parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani warned, according to the AFP news agency.
The vote could lead to the expulsion of the British ambassador in Tehran, Dominick Chilcott, who was only appointed to the post last month.
Britain's Foreign Office said that it would be "regrettable" if Iran were to downgrade ties.
Relations between Iran and the UK have been worsening amid rising tension over Iran's nuclear programme.
The sanctions announced by Chancellor George Osborne on Tuesday cut off all UK financial ties with Iranian banks.
Mr Osborne said there was evidence that Iran's banks were funding its nuclear programme.
That decision followed a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency that suggested Iran was working towards acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Iran says its nuclear programme has entirely peaceful ends.
27.11.2011 www.bbc.co.uk |
| Voters in Kyrgyzstan cast presidential ballots - By PETER LEONARD - Associated Press
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan
Voters in the turbulent Central Asian nation of Kyrgyzstan headed to polling stations Sunday to cast their ballots in a presidential election that could set a democratic precedent for the region.
Three main contenders are vying for victory in the vote, which pits front-runner Almazbek Atambayev against two popular nationalist politicians - Kamchibek Tashiyev and Adakhan Madumarov.
Outgoing President Roza Otunbayeva, a seasoned diplomat who served as ambassador in Washington and London and has been running the country as interim leader since 2010, will step down later this year to make way for the election winner. That sets the stage for the first peaceful transition of power in the economically struggling ex-Soviet nation's history.
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AP Photo - - Election commission officials wait as an elderly Kyrgyz woman, left, casts her ballot at home in the village of Kizil Birlik, 25 km (14 miles) south of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Saturday, Oct, 29, 2011. The presidential election in Kyrgyzstan this weekend will be unusually free and democratic by Central Asian standards, but fears are mounting it could fuel ethnic tensions and regional divide.
Kyrgyzstan, an impoverished nation of around 5 million people on China's western fringes, is home to both U.S. and Russian military air bases, making its fortunes the subject of lively international interest.
Sunday's vote is the culmination of a movement for political reform away from the strong authoritarian model that has prevailed in the country since independence in 1991.
Over the last two decades, elections have been purely formal exercises designed to lend a threadbare veil of legitimacy to the ruling elite. Former strongman leader Kurmanbek Bakiyev and his predecessor, mathematician Askar Akayev, left office only after being literally chased out of by angry mobs.
Speaking after casting her ballot at a music college in the capital, Bishkek, Otunbayeva said the election would consolidate the parliamentary system adopted under constitutional reforms approved last year.
"What is important is that we have chosen parliamentary governance in our country," Otunbayeva told The Associated Press, speaking in English. "People will choose the route of freedom - freedom of speech, freedom of assembly."
While the election has been hailed by authorities as a victory for democracy, many are concerned that the vote could lay bare interregional divisions. Atambayev's following is mainly in the north, while his nationalist opponents' main base of support in the south.
Southern Kyrgyzstan, which lies along a major route for heroin trafficked northwards from nearby Afghanistan, has seen waves of political unrest over the past year and was the site of ethnic clashes in which hundreds of people, mainly minority ethnic Uzbeks, were killed.
Electioneering has been relatively low-key and voters at the Kyrgyz National University in Bishkek early Sunday seemed largely fatalistic about the outcome.
"These elections are important for the politicians, but not really for the simple people," said 19-year old journalism student Manas Aslanbekov. "It is clear who is going to win, it is the person who has the most money."
Read more: http://www.heraldonline.com/2011/10/29/3484619/voting-opens-in-kyrgyzstan-presidential.html#ixzz1cG6Q1Iy5 |
| Peace campaigner Michael Higgins is Ireland's new president after voters flood to him at the last minute - Michael D Higgins powers to thumping victory with 40 per cent of the vote
The 70-year-old was 15 points behind in the opinion polls but stormed back to win an improbable landslide
Martin McGuinness finishes third with 13.7% of the vote
Micheal D Higgins is to become the ninth President of Ireland after trouncing Seán Gallagher in one of the most dramatic campaigns in the history of presidential elections.
After trailing in the polls by as much as 15 percentage points only last weekend, the septuagenarian, socialist poet has topped the poll with more than 200,000 votes to spare on the young contender.
His 700,000 ballots easily trounced Dragons’ Den judge Seán Gallagher, who won just over 500,000 votes in a gripping drama that turned all predictions on their heads in the final 72 hours of canvassing.
It following a bruising campaign in which only the winner escaped without scars from the campaign. Martin McGuinness – after he was challenged by the families of IRA murder victims – finished a distant third, on 243,000 votes.
However, Fine Gael appeared to be the big losers. With the main Government party riding high in the polls, its candidate Gay Mitchell just about managed to edge out Senator David Norris for fourth place by fewer than 4,000 votes.
And despite indications before the election that voters wanted a woman president to follow the successes of Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese, the two female candidates fared poorly, with Dana Rosemary Scallon taking just 51,220 votes and Mary Davis coming last of the seven with 48,657. Both were eliminated following the first count, declared just after 9 o’clock last night.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2054705/Labours-Michael-Higgins-Irelands-new-president-tidal-wave-voters-flood-minute.html#ixzz1cFt9H9Oh
29th October 2011 By Senan Molony, Niamh Lyons and Ferghal Blaney
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| Donegal islanders to vote today - Monday, October 24, 2011 - 07:18 AM
Voters living on the five islands off the coast of Donegal will go to the polls today to vote in the presidential election.
The 761 people of Arranmore, Gola, Inishbofin, Inishfree and Tory Island get to vote three days ahead of the rest of the country, which will go to the polls on Thursday.
Returning officers who run the election arrange the early voting on some of the country's islands to ensure sufficient lead-time so that bad weather does not delay getting ballot boxes back to the mainland for the count.
Voters living on islands off the coast of Mayo will go to the polls tomorrow, while those living on islands off Galway will vote on Wednesday.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/donegal-islanders-to-vote-today-525567.html |
| Saeima confirms new government - Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis addresses the Saeima before its vote to confirm Latvia’s new government. The parliament on a 57-38 vote Oct. 25 supported the three-party coalition offered by Dombrovskis. (Photo by Ernests Dinka, courtesy of the Saeima Chancellery)
Latvia’s new three-party coalition government, which will be headed by current Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, has been confirmed by the country’s parliament.
After about two hours of debate Oct. 25, the Latvian parliament confirmed the government on a 57-38 vote. While the new government seemed assured of at least 56 votes, it earned one more when Ingmārs Līdaka, a member of the Union of Greens and Farmers (Zaļo un Zemnieku savienība, or ZZS), appeared to break from his caucus to support Dombrovskis.
However, according to Latvian media reports, Līdaka apparently voted in favor by mistake. ZZS head Augusts Brigmanis told the LETA news agency that Līdaka tried to correct the error after the vote was already recorded.
Also backing the new government were all MPs from Dombrovskis’ centrist party Unity (Vienotība), the Zatlers Reform Party (Zatlera Reformu partija, or ZRP) and the right-wing National Alliance (Nacionālā apvienība “Visu Latvijai!” – “Tēvzemei un Brīvībai/LNNK”). The three parties makes up the new coalition government. An additional six votes came from former ZRP members who broke with the party to create an independent caucus.
The 38 votes against the new government came as expected from MPs representing the centre-left and Russian-oriented Harmony Centre (Saskaņas Centrs) and the conservative ZZS.
Three MPs—Viktors Jakovļevs of Harmony Centre as well as Ilona Jurševska and Kārlis Seržants of the Union of Greens and Farmers—did not vote.
The new government includes:
•Justice Minister Gaidis Bērziņš (National Alliance), 41, a practicing lawyer and a lecturer in law at the University of Latvia. Bērziņš was the minister of justice from 2006-2009.
•Health Minister Ingrīda Circene (Unity), 54, who previously served in the post during former Prime Minister Einars Repše’s government from 2002-2004.
•Culture Minister Žaneta Jaunzeme-Grende (National Alliance), 47, former chairperson of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
•Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis (ZRP), 42, who currently is an attorney for SIA BBF Consulting.
•Education Minister Robert Ķīlis (ZRP), 43, an associate professor of economics anthropology at the Stockholm School of Economics in Rīga.
•Defense Minister Artis Pabriks (Unity), 45, who will continue in the position from the previous government.
•Economics Minister Daniels Pavļuts (ZRP), 35, who currently heads corporate relations for the Latvian branch of the Swedish-owned bank Swedbank.
•Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičš (ZRP), 38. He previously was chief-of-staff for former President Valdis Zatlers.
•Transportation Minister Aivis Ronis, 43, a former diplomat who has been deemed nonpartisan. Currently president of the Latvian Association of Private Banks, Ronis has served in various diplomatic posts and was foreign minister in 2010.
•Edmunds Sprūdžs (ZRP), 31, minister for environmental protection and regional development. Sprūdžs originally was ZRP’s candidate for prime minister.
•Agriculture Minister Laimdota Straujuma (Unity), 60, who currently is an assistant state secretary in the Ministry for Environmental Protection and Regional Development.
•Finance Minister Andris Vilks (Unity), 48, who will continue in the job from the previous government.
•Welfare Minister Ilze Vinķele (Unity), 39, who has served as the Ministry of Finance’s parliamentary secretary and currently is pursuing a doctorate in political science at the University of Latvia.
Confirmation of the new government followed the Sept. 17 special parliamentary election, which was called after Latvian voters overwhelmingly approved a July referendum to dissolve the 10th Saeima. The 11th Saiema began work Oct. 17.
Andris Straumanis is editor of Latvians Online.
Andris Straumanis
October 25, 2011 |
| China wants active role in Libyan reconstruction - BEIJING (AP) - China is ready to play an active role in Libya's reconstruction, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Monday as Libyan opposition fighters seeking to oust leader Moammar Gadhafi poured into Tripoli.
Spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said in a statement on the ministry's website that China had noted "recent changes in the situation in Libya" and that Beijing respects the choice of the Libyan people.
Ma's statement made no mention of Gadhafi or the rebels fighting him but said Beijing was ready to work with the international community on rebuilding Libya.
"The Chinese side respects the choice of the Libyan people and hopes the situation in Libya can return to normal as soon as possible," Ma said. "China is willing to work together with the international community and to play an active role in the future reconstruction of Libya."
After fighting erupted in Libya in February, China evacuated 35,000 of its citizens working there. Estimates of China's investments in Libya before the conflict began run as high as $18 billion
22.08.2011 www.wrex.com |
| Czech Republic President Vaclav Klaus steals a pen during Chile visit - As just about anyone who's ever worked in an office can attest, one of life's most festering annoyances are people who don't return pens that they borrow. Now it appears as though Czech Republic President Vaclav Klaus may be one of those people, and the citizens of the nation he rules over are none too pleased about it.
You see, Klaus, whose most notable prior controversy was probably his flat rejection of climate change science—a position that he even appeared on Glenn Beck's show to tour—was caught on video coyly pocketing a ceremonial pen during a recent visit to Chile. What's more, the brazen stylus heist took place in full view of the media during a ceremony to announce a trade agreement. The video shows Klaus clearly admiring the pen, then slowly moving it into one of his jacket pockets as Chilean President Sebastian Pinera speaks to the assembled members of the media.
Now, Reuters is reporting that some Czech citizens are accusing Klaus of being a kleptomaniac. But the president's staffers claim that he had every right to take the pen—and that he was, in fact, acting entirely in line with established Czech state protocols. "We at the Prague Castle always give such a pen to delegations, along with a notepad," presidential spokesman Radim Ochvat told the news agency.
12.04.2011 http://news.yahoo.co...c-a-pen-stealer
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| Lajcak Among Favourites for Top Posts in EU External Action Service - Bratislava/Brussels, November 18 (TASR) - Slovak diplomacy is close to securing a top post in the European External Action Service (EEAS), TASR learnt on Thursday.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton will announce the nominations for newly-created top diplomatic posts by the end of the month, with former Slovak foreign affairs minister Miroslav Lajcak as a hot candidate for one of these.
Lajcak is set to chair the section for the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe, according to EUOBserver online daily.
TASR has learnt that Lajcak has been in close contact with Ashton in recent days. The two even met in person in Brussels on Tuesday.
According to EUObserver, other top posts should be given to Frenchman Hugues Mingarelli (Africa), Swede Christian Leffler (the Middle East and Mediterranean) and Spaniard Tomas Dupla del Moral (Asia and the Americas).
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| Official statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - The Slovak Republic is a strong supporter of further EU enlargement. The EU enlargement policy provides incentives for reforms strengthening democracy, rule of law, and economy in candidate and potential candidate countries. The credibility of the EU as a global actor much depends on the EU ability to stabilise its neighbourhood, where the EU enlargement policy has a substantial impact. Slovakia therefore looks forward to welcoming new countries into the EU once they meet criteria for the EU membership.
Slovakia welcomes the Commission´s document on Enlargement Strategy and Main Challenges for years 2010-2011, including progress reports for individual candidate and potential candidate countries. We fully support the commitment of the EU to continue the process of enlargement. The actual momentum and the dynamics of the process should be maintained by both the EU and the aspirants.
We are pleased by the progress achieved by Croatia which strengthens our effort to conclude the accession talks with Croatia in year 2011. We welcome the first report on Iceland since the opening accession negotiations and hope for fast but objective talks. We regret that accession talks could not be launched with Macedonia and we call on both parties involved to resolve the name issue. We are satisfied that new chapters have been opened in the negotiations with Turkey.
We welcome the Commission´s positive opinion on the application from Montenegro for the EU membership and congratulate Montenegro on the progress achieved. Slovakia will seek to grant Montenegro the status of a candidate country at the December Council. We call on Albania to continue vigorously in all efforts to meet the conditions outlined in the report. We look forward to the opinion of the Commission on application of Serbia in 2011 that should lead to the candidate status of Serbia and to the launching of negotiations. We hope that Bosnia and Herzegovina, building on elections in October 2010, will be able to address key reforms needed. We expect that a positive trend in the regional dialogue and cooperation will continue.
We underline that recommendations of the European Commission and the Progress Reports on individual candidate and potential candidate countries provide an important guide for continuation of integration process of each of them. Slovakia will continue in providing its active and resolute support to the European integration, including through sharing with the candidates and potential candidates our experience from the process of accession to the EU.
10.11.2010 Tlačový odbor Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3981
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3999 (3989)
E-mail: tlac@mzv.sk |
| Clinton: Slovakia is Crucial for Integration Processes in Western Balkans - 20.10.2010 TASR
Washington/Bratislava, October 20 (TASR) - Slovakia is crucial in the integration process of the Western Balkans and the country's eastern neighbours into Euro-Atlantic structures and is a very good example of the benefits that come with broader integration into the European Community, said U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at a meeting with her Slovak counterpart Mikulas Dzurinda on Tuesday.
The Slovak Foreign Affairs Ministry press department told TASR on Tuesday that Clinton expressed her appreciation for the friendly relations with Slovakia, which, she added, has undergone a significant transition from a country locked behind the Iron Curtain into a vibrant democracy. "It's a pillar of regional stability and co-operation, which is achieving among the fastest rates of growth in Europe," said Clinton.
The two partners discussed issues concerning the Balkans and Eastern Europe, including energy security and the protection of minorities. "I would like to thank the head of Slovak diplomacy, the Government and the people of the Slovak Republic for their persistent support and defence of our common values in the world," said Clinton, also mentioning the Slovak contribution to the NATO mission in Afghanistan. "We're really pleased and honoured by the service of the Slovak soldiers marching side by side with American troops," she said, adding that the Slovak troops are helping Afghanistan to build a better and more prosperous future.
According to Dzurinda, three areas were discussed at the meeting, with the first, and most important, being political dialogue. "I pointed out that Slovakia is currently presiding over the Visegrad Four countries [Slovakia, Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary]. I mentioned the upcoming meeting of V4 foreign affairs ministers with their partners from the Western Balkans, which will take place in Bratislava on Friday. A ministerial meeting with our partners from Eastern Europe will take place at the beginning of next year, which is a demonstration of our efforts and interest in the Eastern Partnership," said Dzurinda.
The second part of the discussion concerned defence and military co-operation, while economic co-operation featured at the end.
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| An audience of the designate Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Sweden H. T. H. Lundborg - An audience of the designate Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Sweden H. T. H. Lundborg
6.9.2010 MZV
The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Milan Ježovica met today with designate Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Sweden Hans Tage Harald Lundborg on an occasion of his mission beginning. Milan Ježovica expressed the belief to strengthen and deepen the bilateral affairs in the field of trade and European Foreign Policy. He also expressed an interest in the Swedish experience in streamlining the diplomatic representation in the EU and other countries around the world. The Swedish ambassador welcomed these proposals and simultaneously submitted the copy of credentials to the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic.
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| Minister Dzurinda to visit Austria (Publikované dňa: 20.08.2010) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic M. Dzurinda will pay an official visit to the Republic of Austria on the 23rd August 2010.
During the visit he will meet his Austrian counterpart M. Spindelegger, the Vice-chancellor, Finance Minister and Chairman of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) J. Pröll as well as the Governor of Lower Austria E. Pröll.
The visit focuses on confirming excellent relations as well as strong engagement to its further intensification in priority fields as: economic cooperation, cross-border and regional cooperation. M. Dzurinda will also discuss the current european policies, global developments and multilateral cooperation.
Tlačový odbor Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3981
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3999 (3989)
E-mail: tlac@mzv.sk
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| Financial Times: The Greek rescue plan: A fly in the ointment - 5.8.2010
The Financial Times has published on 5th August the article "The Greek rescue plan: A fly in the ointment (by Quentin Peel) ":
"Greece has got a pat on the back in its first post-bailout report from the European Commission, the ECB and the IMF. “The programme is off to a very strong start,” they said in Athens. So that should be a green light for the next €9bn tranche of the total €110bn rescue package to be paid out next month.
But there is a fly in the ointment. Plucky little Slovakia, a eurozone member state that knows all about tough austerity measures, is refusing to sign up for its contribution to the rescue plan.
In spite of fierce pressure from Brussels, the new government in Bratislava is adamant that it would be wrong to pay its hard-earned taxpayers’ money to another eurozone member that has “consistently carried out irresponsible fiscal policy.” It is prepared to back the European Financial Stability Facility - the €750bn standby rescue package set up to stop contagion from the Greek crisis - but not the original Greek bailout.
That is the deal that will be put to the Slovak parliament this week or early next week, once the government has won its own vote of confidence. It won’t stop the Greek rescue package, because that has been approved by eurozone members contributing at least 90 per cent of the total, but it would undermine the idea of eurozone solidarity. Ivan Miklos, Slovakia’s tough-minded finance minister, told Bloomberg this week:
“We don’t agree with the principle that people in other countries which have nothing to do with this have to pay, but banks which have been profiting from giving loans to the Greek government in the past are not paying even one euro.”
He sounds more German than the Germans. But Slovakia’s principled position is causing shock waves in Brussels. The European Commission is taking a hard line: “We expect all euro area member states to respect the agreement of May 9,” a Commission spokesman says. “This is a matter of fundamental solidarity in the euro area and all its member states should respect their commitments.”
Part of the embarrassment for Brussels is that the new liberal-conservative Slovakian government is a great improvement on its populist-nationalist predecessor, headed by Robert Fico. But he signed off on the deal, and his successor, Iveta Radicova, is adamant that he shouldn’t have.
It’s a sore point for the Slovaks, who point out that their per capita income is lower than that of Greece, and they went through their own grim austerity programme in 2000 - bailing out their own banks at a cost of 12 per cent of GDP - without any outside assistance. Now they are being asked to contribute 1.3 per cent of GDP for Greece, compared with just 0.6 per cent for wealthy Luxembourg, says Mr Miklos.
Mikulas Dzurinda, who was prime minister then, and is now foreign minister, explained it all to Guido Westerwelle, his German counterpart, in Berlin last week. He got a polite hearing. Ms Radicova will be saying the same when she sees Angela Merkel later this month.
I suspect that Ms Merkel will be secretly sympathetic, even if she is officially disapproving. Slovakia is one of the few eurozone countries openly backing the German proposal for new rules to impose an “orderly default” on any member state that cannot pay its debts. Berlin needs all the friends it can get to bring the budget “sinners” back into line."
MZV |
| CR-SR: Minister Dzurinda’s first trip abroad will be to Prague (Publikované - Bratislava (14 July) – On Thursday 15 July Minister of Foreign Affairs SR Mikuláš Dzurinda departs for his working visit to the Czech Republic. In Prague he will be meeting with his Czech counterpart Karel Schwarzenberg, Prime Minister Petr Nečas, and the Speaker of the Parliament’s Chamber of Deputies Miroslava Němcová. “It is only natural that my first trip aboard leads to the Czech Republic. I am delighted that it has been possible to arrange the visit so soon after the appointment of the new Czech Government and following my own appointment to this office. The relations with the Czech Republic are exceptionally important to us. It is in our interest to retain and develop their suprastandard qualities. I shall do my utmost to make this possible,” stated Mr Dzurinda prior to the departure. He has already met Mr Schwarzenberg informally following his assumption of the office in Bratislava on Saturday 10 July. The programme of Mr Dzurinda’s visit in the Czech Republic:
11:25 – Arrival at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs CR, discussions with Karel Schwarzenberg 12:30-12:50 – Press Conference given by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs CR and SR 14:30-15:00 – Audience with the Speaker of the Parliament’s Chamber of Deputies Miroslava Němcová
15:15-15:45 – Audience with Prime Minister CR Petr Nečas.
Tlačový odbor Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3981
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3999 (3989)
E-mail: tlac@mzv.sk
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| State Secretary Oľga Algayerová in the High-Level Segment of ECOSOC (Publikované dňa: 01.07.2010) - State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Oľga Algayerová is participating at the High-Level Segment of the Economic and Social Council (from 30 June to 2 July). Slovakia is the first time in the history member of ECOSOC.
The High-level Segment (28 June – 2 July 2010) focuses on a broad range of issues relevant to the implementation of the UN development agenda.
The Annual Ministerial Review (28 June-1 July) discusses progress made towards the implementation of the UN development agenda and on concrete initiatives to accelerate the process with a special focus on the goals and targets related to gender equality and empowerment of women.
The Development Cooperation Forum (29-30 June) will discuss trends in international development cooperation with a focus on promoting greater coherence, accountable and transparent development cooperation, the role of various forms of cooperation including South-South and triangular cooperation, the impact of multiple crises and achieving the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. The Forum also plays important role for the preparations to the MDG Summit on September 2010.
State Secretary will address the Development Cooperation Forum on 30 June 2010 and the Annual Ministerial Review meeting in its General Debate on 1 July 2010.
Tlačový odbor Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3981
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3999 (3989)
E-mail: tlac@mzv.sk
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| New Iraqi Ambassador presented credentials (Publikované dňa: 11.06.2010) - Bratislava (11 June) – Minister of Foreign Affairs Miroslav Lajčák accepted credentials from the new Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the Slovak Republic Mathil Dhajif Majid al Sabti. At the introductory audience Mr Lajčák commended on the fact that Iraq has an embassy in Bratislava.
Together with the Slovak Embassy in Baghdad, the two embassies play a key role in the extension of bilateral cooperation. “Slovakia has an interest in political stability and economic development of Iraq. We shall be prepared to support you through a range of means, including developmental aid,” said Minister Lajčák to the Iraqi Ambassador. The Minister pointed out that Slovakia is waiting for the Iraqi partners to identify the most appropriate areas and projects for the Slovak aid if it is to meet Iraqi needs and expectations. The new Ambassador highlighted Iraq’s interest in building good relations with Slovakia. He identified school system and agriculture as the two areas where bilateral cooperation can unfold promptly. The two diplomats then addressed potential intensification of Slovak entrepreneurial visits to Iraq and vice versa. Minister Lajčák was also interested in the formation of the new Iraqi government and in overall situation in the country.
Tlačový odbor Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3981
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3999 (3989)
E-mail: tlac@mzv.sk
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| Ms Diana Štrofová on working visit to the State of Qatar and Bahrain (Publikované dňa: 24.05.2010) - State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Ms Diana Štrofová realised working visit to the State of Qatar and Bahrain from 19 to 23 May 2010. In both countries negotiations with representatives of severeal governmental departments were held. The main purpose of the visit was evaluation of bilateral relations and increase of possibilities of mutual economic cooperation with emphasis on conclusion of negotiations on economic and financial bilateral agreements - Agreement on Support and Mutual Protection of Investments and Agreement on Double Taxation Avoidation. State Secretary D.Štrofová presented the Slovak Republic as a modern democratic country of eurozone with atractive business and investment ambient that offers a lost of possibilities for foreign investments.
Tlačový odbor Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3981
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3999 (3989)
E-mail: tlac@mzv.sk
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| M. Lajčák addressing the EU Foreign Ministers about the Eastern Partnership (Publikované dňa: 24.05.2010) - vak Minister of Foreign Affairs Miroslav Lajčák addressed today the Foreign Ministers of the European Union and the Eastern Partnership at an informal meeting held in Polish Sopota. This is the first meeting of the kind under the Spanish EU Presidency.
In his address, Minister Lajčák commended the hitherto work within the Eastern Partnership, having stressed that the Partnership is more a political process than a financial instrument. Through the free trade agreements and the approximation of national legislation with the acquis, the Partnership is becoming the path towards gradual integration of the countries involved in the EU internal market. In respect of the fundamental principles of the Partnership, Mr Lajčák underscored the value of internal ownership of the process and the simultaneous worth of such values as political stability, respect of human rights and democracy.
Slovakia supports liberalisation of the visa regimes for the partner countries and is prepared to provide visa-free regime. According to the Slovak Foreign Minister, the action plan for visa liberalisation should be granted to each country within the Eastern Partnership.
Mr Lajčák further informed about the forthcoming Slovak Presidency of the V4, which will assign the Eastern partnership one of the priorities. He also welcomed the idea of a “group of friends of the Eastern Partnership.”
On the occasion of the session, Mr Lajčák met with his Ukrainian counterpart Konstantyn Hryščenko. The two Ministers focussed on the preparation of the visit of the Slovak President to Ukraine and discussed the drafting of bilateral agreements that might be endorsed during the Presidential visit. M. Lajčák presented the Ukrainian Foreign Minister a proposal of specific offers for the transfer of Slovakia’s know-how in social transformation and European integration.
Tlačový odbor Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3981
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3999 (3989)
E-mail: tlac@mzv.sk
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| The Slovak success in the integration is an inspiration for Albania - Tirana (January 22nd) – Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha expressed gratitude to Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Miroslav Lajčák for the prompt provision of the Slovak aid to Albania after the devastating floods at the beginning of this year. Slovakia delivered the humanitarian shipment amounting to more than 100.000 euros to Albania last week. Right now minister Lajčák is paying an official visit to Tirana. His discussions with the Albanian partners focus on the further enhancement of the Slovak-Albanian contacts.
„I believe that this visit will launch a more intense cooperation because even though there are no open issues between our countries, our relations lack intensity“, M. Lajčák said during the talks with his Albanian counterpart Ilir Meta, as well as during the meeting with Speaker of the Parliament Jozefina Topalli and Prime Minister Berisha. In discussions on Albania´s preparation for the integration to the EU, Minister Lajčák offered Slovak experience and readiness to help Albania in its pre-accession process. In this context, Prime Minister Berisha highlighted Slovakia as a convincing example of successful management of the integration tasks, which therefore, from his point of view, represents an inspiration for Albania. During his talks with the Albanian partners, Minister Lajčák also tackled the issue arising between the companies Air Slovakia and Albanian Airlines, whereby they agreed that it is a matter of business of two commercial subjects. Minister Lajčák expressed an expectation that this issue would be solved in a standard way on the basis of relevant European rules. Minister Lajčák was received today by President of Albania Bamir Topi. The Slovak Minister of Foreign Affairs also solemnly opened the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Tirana. In this context the Albanian highest representatives confirmed that Albania would also open its diplomatic mission in Bratislava in the course of this year.
www.mzv.sk |
| Vietnam’s president is visiting Slovakia - The president of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Nguyen Minh Triet, began a three-day visit to Slovakia on December 16. A series of intergovernmental co-operation agreements is expected to be signed between the countries during Triet's official visit. Vietnamese delegates include public officials as well as entrepreneurs who will meet with their Slovak counterparts at an economic forum planned to take place at the Bôrik Hotel in Bratislava, the TASR newswire wrote. On December 17, the Vietnamese head of state will meet for talks with Slovakia’s most senior officials: President Ivan Gašparovič, Speaker of Parliament Pavol Paška and Prime Minister Robert Fico at a working lunch.
17 Dec 2009 www.mzv.sk |
| NATO considers beefing up Afghan war support - By LARA JAKES and SLOBODAN LEKIC, Associated Press Writers Lara Jakes And Slobodan Lekic, Associated Press Writers – 1 hr 24 mins ago
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia – Top NATO and United Nations officials signaled Friday they may request more international troops to join American forces in Afghanistan as the top U.S. defense official said President Barack Obama is still weeks away from deciding on a shift in war strategy.
At a Friday meeting of 28 NATO defense ministers, Pentagon chief Robert Gates said allies indicated a willingness to boost military and civilian aid — even as Obama remains undecided over whether to escalate U.S. troop strength to counter Afghan insurgents.
"I do believe that additional international troops will be needed in the future," agreed Kai Eide, the top U.N. official in Afghanistan.
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen cited "broad support" from defense ministers to stick with a war strategy devised by American commander Gen. Stanley McChrystal that calls for tens of thousands more combat troops — including as many as 80,000 Americans.
The NATO ministers did not, however, discuss specific numbers of troops to be sent, Rasmussen said. Gates added he did not seek specific aid promises.
NATO officials have largely resisted American entreaties to boost their troop contributions to Afghanistan. Britain recently pledged to send 500 troops but only if NATO and the U.S. increased their numbers as well.
The Obama administration is still mulling whether to approve McChystal's proposed strategy aimed at eliminating terrorist threats by curbing the Taliban, in part by securing communities and protecting local Afghan people.
Top Obama advisers, including Vice President Joe Biden, favor a more focused war strategy of targeting al-Qaida leaders in neighboring Pakistan with armed unmanned spy planes and special forces strikes.
In Washington, a senior administration official said Friday that Obama was far from settled on a strategy and that there were no assurances that McChrystal will get what he is seeking. The official was not authorized to discuss the issue publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Gates said Friday that the "analytical phase" of the administration's war strategy review was nearing an end, but cautioned that Obama will sift over options provided by his national security team over the next two to three weeks. That target date could coincide closely with the planned Nov. 7 election runoff between Afghan President Hamid Karzai and his challenger, Abdullah Abdullah.
An estimated 104,000 U.S. and NATO troops will be in Afghanistan by the end of the year — two-thirds of which are American.
McChrystal, who flew to Bratislava late Thursday, offered the ministers a 15-minute update on the war and his overview of how to win it. The ministers did not ask any questions or have any reaction during the closed-door lunch meeting, according to a U.S. defense official who described it on condition of anonymity to discuss the meeting more candidly.
Gates, the U.S. defense secretary, said he was buoyed by the allied support of the 8-year-old war that has grown increasingly unpopular in NATO nations. He said NATO ministers would remain in Afghanistan until the conflict is successfully resolved, citing "a renewed determination to see this through."
"There were a number of allies who indicated they were thinking about, or were moving toward, increasing either their military or their civilian contributions, or both," Gates said at a news conference in Bratislava. "And I found that very heartening."
Still, several NATO ministers sounded dubious about agreeing to send more forces without assurances by the Obama administration to do the same. They also cited concerns about committing more aid to Karzai's corruption-tainted government — at least before the Nov. 7 runoff.
With 2,160 troops in Afghanistan, Dutch Defense Minister Eimert Van Middelkoop said his country is awaiting the final election results "because the legitimacy of the Afghan government is key."
Danish Defense Minister Soeren Gade predicted allies won't increase troop levels until they're assured the government in Kabul is committed to the NATO goals.
"We have to make sure the new government in Afghanistan are committed to their job before we send any more troops," Gade said. Denmark has 690 soldiers in Afghanistan.
Additionally, Defense Minister Franz Josef Jung of Germany said he does not expect his country to increase its troop numbers in Afghanistan when their soldiers' orders come up for renewal in December. Germany's existing policy allows the deployment of up to 4,500 soldiers, and just over 4,200 currently are in Afghanistan
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| State Secretary Štrofová received the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee (Publikované dňa: 01.06.2009) - State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Diana Štrofová received on 1 June 2009 the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola. The meeting focused on current security policy issues, mainly on aspects of the preparation of the new NATOs strategic concept, current relations between Slovakia/NATO – Russian Federation and the issues related to Western Balkans. Partners further discussed the Alliance military operations in Afghanistan (ISAF) and Kosovo (KFOR), including the deployment of the Slovak military forces in these regions.
Tlačový odbor Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3981
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3999 (3989)
E-mail: tlac@mzv.sk
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| Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajčák will visit Poland (Publikované dňa: - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Miroslav Lajčák will visit the Republic of Poland on 16 April, 2009 for the first time in his new position. In Warsaw he will meet with his counterpart, Polish Foreign Minister Mr. Radoslaw Tomasz Sikorski. They will discuss the issues of bilateral and multilateral co-operation including the global economic crises, enegetic security, mutual support of candidatures and other topics of the common interest.
Speaker of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland Mr. Bronislaw Komorowski and Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Mr. Waldemar Pawlak will also receive Minister M. Lajčák.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@mzv.sk |
| Minister M. Lajčák at working dinner with Austrian diplomat V. Inzko (Publikované dňa: 17.03.2009) - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Miroslav Lajčák discussed today at a working dinner with Austrian diplomat Mr. Valentin Inzko, who was appointed last week by the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) as Lajčák successor as the new High Representative of the International Community for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During dinner they talked about the agenda of the High Representative and the process of integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina into the European Union.
V. Inzko will take over the Office of the High Representative in Sarajevo from Miroslav Lajčák by the 26th March 2009. The European Council appointed V. Inzko as the new EU Special Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina 11th March 2009.
V. Inzko is an Austrian diplomat with rich experience from Balkans. He served as the first Austrian Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina after the war had finished. Till now he has been Austrian Ambassador to Slovenia.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@mzv.sk
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| Minister M. Lajčák will visit Austria (Publikované dňa: 08.03.2009) - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Miroslav Lajčák will visit Austria on Monday on 9 March 2009 for the first time in his new position. In Vienna he will meet with his Austrian partner, Foreign Minister Mr. Michael Spindelegger. They will discuss the issues of bilateral co-operation including nuclear energy, as well as the issues of economic crises, regional co-operation and other topics of the common interest. The President of the Republic of Austria Mr. Heinz Fischer will also receive Minister M. Lajčák.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@mzv.sk
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| State Secretary Algayerová Met Representatives of Charity of Habitat for Humanity (Publikované dňa: 17.02.2009) - State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Oľga Algayerová met representatives of the Regional Office of the Charity of Habitat for Humanity for Europe and Central Asia Willo Robert Brock and Donald Stephen Haszcyzn today. Together they discussed issues of possible cooperation between Slovak Aid and Habitat for Humanity. She appreciated presented goals of the organization, which focuses on providing poor people of Europe and Central Asia region with decent homes and livelihoods.
State Secretary indicated common areas of future mutual cooperation in the framework of Slovak development and humanitarian assistance.
Tlačový a komunikačný odbor Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3621
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3638 (3639)
E-mail: tlac@mzv.sk
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| State Secretary Algayerová Held Talks With German Counterpart (Publikované - State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Oľga Algayerová received Minister of State for Europe of the German Federal Foreign Office Günther Gloser today.
In the context of recent gas crisis both sides exchanged views on the measures to increase the efficiency of the European energy policy. At the same time they also discussed the EU approach towards its eastern neighbours. The German Minister of State informed about current development of the Lisbon Treaty ratification process in Germany. Preparations of both Slovakia and Germany for the election to the European Parliament were also mentioned.
Tlačový a komunikačný odbor Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3621
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3638 (3639)
E-mail: tlac@mzv.sk
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| The State Secretary Mrs. Diana Štrofová received today Mr. Mátyás Eőrsi (Publikované dňa: 18.02.2009) - The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mrs. Diana Štrofová received today Mr. Mátyás Eőrsi, the member and President of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
Both representatives confirmed there were similar interests in their mutual co-operation within the Council of Europe. Partners also discussed the elections of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe to be held this year and exchanged views on actual international issues.
Tlačový a komunikačný odbor Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3621
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3638 (3639)
E-mail: tlac@mzv.sk
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| Minister M. Lajčák discussed with German deputies (Publikované dňa: - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Miroslav Lajčák received today the delegation of the Committee for European Affairs of the German Bundestag led by its Chairman Günther Krichbaum. Minister M. Lajčák praised the very good level of the Slovak-German relations. At the same time he expressed his gratitude for the support and commitment of the German government in ensuring of gas supply to Slovakia during the recent gas crisis. Both partners exchanged views on the efficiency of EU energy policy and discussed the measures that could help to mitigate the impact of the global economic crisis in the EU. In this context they also refused the protectionism in the automotive industry. The Lisbon Treaty ratification process in Germany and development in the region of Western Balkans were also discussed during the meeting.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@mzv.sk
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| Minister M. Lajčák received High Commissioner on National Minorities of OSCE K. Vollebaek (Publikované dňa: 11.02.2009) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Miroslav Lajčák received today the High Commissioner on National Minorities of the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Knut Vollebaek.
The Commissioner came to Slovakia within the framework of his regular visits in OSCE participating states.
During the meeting Minister M. Lajčák informed about the high level of the protection of the national minorities in Slovakia and about the current relations between Slovakia and Hungary. In this context he pointed out that the State Treaty on good neighborly relations and friendly cooperation between the two countries is the instrument for resolving of all open questions. Partners agreed that all citizens should have a command of the state language.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@mzv.sk
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| Slovak Foreign Minister J. Kubiš received Speaker of Polish Sejm B. Kiomorowski (Publikované dňa: 02.12.2008) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received on Monday, on November 25, 2008 the Speaker of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland Mr. Bronislaw Komorowski. The partners emphasised the need to widen economic cooperation especially the infrastructure development and appreciated significance of the cross-border cooperation. The Polish side expressed interest to share Slovak experiences with the introduction of common European currency euro. During the meeting both representatives exchanged views on actual EU agenda and reassured their interest in further deepening of good neighbour relations and partner cooperation.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš received US Ambassador V. Obsitnik (Publikované dňa: 28.11.2008) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received today the US Ambassador to the Slovak Republic Mr. Vincent Obsitnik. They exchanged views on the preparation of the NATO ministerial meeting which will be held next week in Brussels. On this occasion both appreciated achievements of the official visit of the President of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ivan Gašparovič in USA and entry of Slovakia into the US Visa Waiver Program.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| State Secretary Algayerová to Attend International Doha Conference on Financing for Development (Publikované dňa: 29.11.2008) - State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Oľga Algayerová will head the delegation of the Slovak Republic at the International Conference on Financing for Development held from 29 November to 2 December 2008 in Doha, Qatar.
She will deliver a statement during the general debate and participate in round table discussions on the relevant aspects on Financing for Development.
The Conference in Doha will assess the progress made from the 2002 International Conference on Financing for Development in Monterrey, Mexico. The conference will outline next steps in order to achieve a more effective implementation of outcomes of the Monterrey Consensus and will tackle the new challenges that the international community should urgently cope with (climate change, the rise in food prices, energy security, financial crisis etc.). The results of the International Conference in Doha will be reflected in the to-be-adopted final document. The EU has played a crucial role at the Monterrey conference and will strive to act similarly also in Doha.
The main message of the Monterrey Consensus also supported by the Slovak Republic is the global partnership and shared responsibility for development. An integrated approach to financing for development is essential in achieving the coherence of different financial resources with the goal to guarantee the three-pillars progress of sustainable development (economic, social, and environmental development).
Tlačový a komunikačný odbor Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3621
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3638 (3639)
E-mail: tlac@foreign.gov.sk |
| J. Kubiš will attend regular meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers (Publikované dňa: 01.12.2008) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš will attend the regular meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers on 2 – 3 December 2008 in Brussels. The meeting will be focused on the consideration of granting the Membership Action Plan (MAP) to Ukraine and Georgia, as well as on the NATO´s future relations with Russia. The ministers will also discuss the main operations of the Alliance in particular ISAF and KFOR. The Alliance Foreign Ministers´ session will be followed by the meetings of NATO - Georgia Commission, NATO - Ukraine Commission and a luncheon with the foreign ministers of Mediterranean Dialogue countries. At the invitation of the Belgian Foreign Minister Mr. Karel De Gucht a traditional transatlantic dinner of NATO and EU member states will take place on the first day of the ministerial meeting.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| 9th Annual Czech and Slovak Freedom - 9th Annual Czech and Slovak Freedom Lecture by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš as prepared for delivery in Washington D.C., on November 21, 2008: Strengthening US-Slovak Cooperation and the Transatlantic Partnership: Opportunities and Challenges in Today's World (Publikované dňa: 21.11.2008)
Strengthening US-Slovak Cooperation and the Transatlantic Partnership: Opportunities and Challenges in Today's World
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This personal invitation means a lot to me. It is truly an honour that I can follow so many distinguished predecessors and give this Czech and Slovak Freedom Lecture. For Slovakia and for our friend and neighbour - the Czech Republic, autumn is a good time of balancing out, commemorating and remembering many common historical events that determined the future for both of our peoples and countries. For all of us this particular autumn is marked by a growing number of global challenges, including the global financial crisis and recession which require bold and comprehensive global solutions. At the same time, for the USA and the whole world this autumn is a time of much hope and expectation, given the presidential elections and accession of the new U.S. administration in January 2009.
Dear Friends,
Today’s Slovakia is an integral part of all global processes and efforts and shares with others its part of global responsibility. I say this with a feeling of pride, because I represent a country that only less than 20 years ago as part of Czechoslovakia broke free from communism and some 15 years ago began to build a democratic future for its citizens as an independent country.
Since the beginning of the 90s of the last century, you have been able to follow the radical transformation of Slovakia and the Czech Republic and their efforts to build democratic societies that respects fundamental rights and freedoms, to build a market economy, to find once again its rightful place among the most developed and progressive nations of the world. You know that for Slovakia it has not been and it is not a simple or straightforward process. But I maintain that all these trials and tribulations, problems, failures and first of all achievements and victories have made us stronger and more mature in this short period of time we exist as an independent country, thus quickly catching up with others.
For both, Slovakia and the Czech Republic the years ending with the digit 8 have a special significance and therefore we often talk about “the magic eight” in our history. Let us mention here only some of those from the last century – the years 1918, 1938, 1948, 1968. For Slovakia, also the year 2008 can be considered special. It is the year 2008 when Slovakia experienced the full benefit of the Schengen area’s freedom of travel, when we reached a visa-free travel with the USA, and when as the first truly post-communist country we have joined the Eurozone – well ahead of our Visegrad Four neighbours.
From the historical perspective, in the year 2008 we first of all commemorate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Czechoslovak Republic, for whose emergence we owe to the USA and its President Woodrow Wilson, as well as to the Slovaks and Czechs living in the United States. Slovaks that were present at the birth of the Cleveland and Pittsburgh agreements and that supported the founding of Czechoslovakia as a democratic state of two equal nations. We owe them a debt of gratitude - the founding of the Czechoslovak Republic in the year 1918 has helped reinforce and indeed safe the Slovaks as a nation, has helped create the political, economic and social basis for successful future of both our nations and has strengthen the identity of both our peoples.
I cannot either overlook the dramatic year 1968, the year of the invasion of the then socialist Czechoslovakia by Warsaw Pact troops. This invasion put finally an end to the illusion that the communist system can be reformed and saved all of us from possible illusions and mistakes in and after 1989, when communism finally collapsed also in Czechoslovakia. These events of 1968 thus planted the seeds for the subsequent, profound societal changes that started on 17th November1989.
The events of 1968 and the subsequent 20 years of darkness just reinforced in the minds of majority of the citizens of Czechoslovakia that communism means a future without perspective, life in an isolated and closed society, without personal and societal freedom, without access to unbiased information, with very limited opportunities to travel abroad, with weak possibilities for professional and intellectual development and success, and first of all without a chance to decide on one’s own future and destiny. This feeling of powerlessness and hopelessness led many to make a fundamental life decision to leave their country, friends and family, to start a new life in an unknown, foreign but democratic environment like here in the USA.
Those who remained in Czechoslovakia were not often able to imagine how difficult it was to begin in a new place, but how rewarding it was in comparison with the reality of communism. Many of those who witnessed a dear one go beyond the „iron curtain“, but who were not able or willing, often for personal and family reasons, to do the same, often asked themselves what was better. The history has solved this dilemma Let us pay tribute to both those who left in 1968 and to our fellow Slovaks and Czechs from older waves of emigration as well as to all those who stayed in Czechoslovakia and longed and worked for democratic change.
In Slovakia, this year we also commemorated the 20th anniversary of a massive candle-light Christian demonstration for human rights and civic freedoms in March 1988 in Bratislava. The ruling communist regime managed to put out the candles on the square in front of the Slovak National Theatre with water hoses, but the light of freedom was burning anyway. And only a year later, on November 17, 1989, the participants in that candle-light demonstration, who longed for the fall of the totalitarian regime and the building of a free society, saw their dreams and prayers come true. It is because of them and many others that I feel great pride and satisfaction that the 17th of November is marked in Slovakia as the National Day of the fight for freedom and democracy.
After a peaceful division of Czechoslovakia on the eve of 1993, Slovakia launched on an independent path of continuing transformation to an open democratic society and socially-oriented market economy. Since the very beginning the ambition for membership in the EU and NATO was the key driving force for political developments in the Slovak society. Notably in the 90s it was not that simple as it might look now. It has been a thorny and at times painful road of experiments and errors, as well as deliberate attempts to divert us from that path. Due to the courage of the majority of the citizens of Slovakia and of an increasingly mature civil society in my country Slovakia made it through this test and came out of it stronger. Eventually in 2004 we joined both the EU and NATO as a truly democratic country.
The transition from a totalitarian system to a democratic one for Slovakia was thus rather complicated. One important external factor for us was the role of the United States. Thanks to the U.S.’s support and trust in our people, Slovakia together with the whole Central European region joined the community of democratic countries of the world. In a broader context, it can be said that thanks to transatlantic relations and America’s interest in our fate, it was possible to build a more integrated, freer and more peaceful Europe, Europe whole and free, and a committed part of Euro-Atlantic society of nations, with the USA as its strategic ally and partner.
Slovakia and the USA enjoy excellent bilateral relations. They have significantly expanded since Slovakia has joined the NATO five years ago. Political and security cooperation, economic and cultural ties, expanding contacts of our citizens and common engagement in operations like KFOR or in Afghanistan represent parts of this strategic relationship. As recently as last month President Gasparovic of Slovakia and President Bush confirmed this partnership, when they met in Washington.
And I am extraordinarily pleased that today, a few days after the 19th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, I can with deep satisfaction state that our partnership has also been expressed through including Slovakia to the visa waiver program. We view this as a just gesture of trust and recognition of our partnership and equality by a good friend. I would like to thank all of you, most notably the Friend of Slovakia for your assistance in this – your efforts here in Washington helped a lot.
Dear Friends
Today’s Slovakia is a success story. But perhaps also because of our rather complicated path to this status we consider it our responsibility to share our experience with those who wish to learn from it and to help them in their transformation. The transformation of Slovakia is a fascinating story, which has a great potential to inspire and motivate. From a country that received democratic tutoring and foreign development assistance we have changed to a country that shares its democratic experience and wealth in the spirit of solidarity with others.
We strive to contribute to positive developments, above all in countries where we have historical ties and our story carries weight – in the Western Balkans and in Eastern Europe, but also in Cuba. From the humanitarian and development perspective, we try to help in Africa and Asia as well.
To effectively promote democracy in another state it is necessary to cultivate suitable political, social, cultural and economic conditions. One cannot export or import democracy, but can continuously work for democratic change and this is what we do, engaging ourselves not only with the states but with civil societies. From our experience we know that transformation to democracy with civic freedoms and to the rule of law pays back because it makes people empowered, makes people’s lives more authentic and provides them with more and better opportunities.
Slovakia began engaging more deeply in support for democratic change in the Western Balkans in 1999, when a series of conferences and workshops attended by the pro-democratic representatives of political opposition parties, media and civil society from and in the former Yugoslavia was launched within the framework of what is known as the Bratislava process. Later, with the purpose of supporting civil society, renewing infrastructure, enhancing regional development and supporting integration into the EU and NATO, the Bratislava-Belgrade Fund was established as a part of direct Slovak development assistance. In a similar vein, we have worked with civil society in Ukraine, Belarus, or Cuba.
After the EU accession talks were opened with Croatia, Slovakia carried out a series of expert meetings to provide its know-how from the accession process. Similarly we work with Serbia and other Western Balkan countries in support for their EU membership ambitions. Slovakia also supports Ukraine’s efforts to become closer to the EU, among other things, with an governmental action plan for achieving the goals of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). And to help the countries to the East of our and the EU borders to build even closer association with the EU at this stage we promote a new EU policy of Eastern Partnership.
The Slovak Embassy in Kiev is NATO‘s official Contact Point Embassy, its role being to inform the Ukrainian population about opportunities for deepening cooperation with NATO and to dismantle a bias against the Alliance that still exists in a large part of the Ukrainian society. Slovakia fully supported Croatia‘s and Albania‘s entry into the Alliance and the relevant documents have already been ratified by the Slovak Republic. We equally support the NATO membership for Macedonia, or the MAP NATO status for Ukraine and Georgia.
By this account I do not wish to tire you with all the activities Slovakia is undertaking in support of democratic and economic transformation in our neighbouring world. I only try to confirm that the notions of freedom and democracy, which accompanied the birth of Czechoslovakia in the year 1918 and were also the foundation of the Velvet Revolution in 1989, are at the core of the Slovak Republic and its foreign policy and our efforts to spread further the zone of democratic stability in Europe.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Slovakia’s membership in the EU and NATO means that we have assumed all the obligations arising from our membership. The Slovak Republic entered the EU and adopted its acquis with a strategy for a rapid introduction of all the internal rules governing the EU, including the free movement of persons, goods, services and capital, with as few transitional restrictions as possible. We continued in the implementation of the strategy for a speedy and full integration by joining the Schengen area, which allows for free travel without checks at the internal borders of the Schengen member states. This was achieved near the end of 2007.
In a few weeks, the process of our European integration will be completed with Slovakia’s accession to the Euro area. The Slovak crown (“koruna”) will cease to be a legal tender as of January 1, 2009 when the Euro will take over as Slovakia’s currency. We, in Slovakia, are convinced that this is a means to ensure a more stable economic development and greater social security for Slovak citizens. At the same time, it is a means to improve the competitiveness of the Slovak economy and also to make it more attractive for foreign investors, especially in the context of the current global financial crisis and recession. Although we will not be spared some of its negative consequences I am convinced that it will not have a dramatic impact on the still very favourable economic growth of our country. The predictions of ours, supported by the EC and IMF say that in the coming years Slovakia will remain the fastest growing economy in the EU and the Eurozone with an annual GDP growth between 4,5 and 5 per cent. For further illustration, in the 3rd quarter of 2008 we registered the DGP growth of 7,1 per cent and for the whole year 2008 the growth should be well above 7 per cent. The source of our optimism in this situation is the competitiveness of the Slovak labour force, its growing productivity of labour, its ability to produce high quality goods and to master technology-intensive processes. For this reason, we do not expect any substantial downsizing in the activities of large foreign investors such as Volkswagen, KIA, Peugeot-Citroen, Sony, Samsung, US Steel, and others.
The Euro as a currency also has its psychological and social dimensions. The introduction of the Euro makes Slovak citizens feel truly European, equal with others as members of this exclusive club of the most developed European countries – the Eurozone. This is not a minor achievement for a country that lived under communism for more than 40 years and that has started its independent history less than 16 years ago.
Also internationally we act as a responsible partner. We are actively engaged in a number of peacekeeping operations under the UN, NATO and EU umbrella. Our diplomats serve in top international positions in Bosnia and Herzegovina or in Central Asia. This year Slovakia successfully chaired the Council of Europe. And in 2006-2007 we served with honours as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, where we closely cooperated with the USA and our EU partners at service of the international community.
At this point, it is very appropriate to express my great appreciation for the solidarity, help and understanding of our main regional partners – above all our friends from the Visegrad 4 countries – the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. It has helped us a lot not to be alone in the process of transition. It has been and is fundamentally important for Slovakia and for stability and prosperity in the entire Central European region as a whole to have good cooperation among neighbours.
Ladies and gentlemen,
It does not mean that currently there are no challenges to political, economic and societal development in our country and in other countries of the region. It is evident that this rapid transformation also brought many hardships, notably to the older generations, to the people with limited social mobility. Democracy is not a simple system – neither for citizens nor for politicians. It is more complicated than an authoritarian system of government that many generations were used to. The market economy with its competition and limited social security is more complicated as well. Too many people are wanting for easy solutions, for easy recipes. In close to 20 years from the crush of the totalitarian regimes they want to see bigger social dividends for themselves that are not there. They saw successions of centre-right and centre-left governments, waves of privatisation in conditions that often wanted basic transparency, instances of grave corruption, growing social inequality – all that accompanied by too many promises of politicians, often empty. The result is visible – disappointment with “traditional” policies and politicians, readiness to accept simple slogans, populist rhetoric, radicalism.
And global changes and accompanying insecurity, rapid disappearance of traditional way of life and growing ways of economically-motivated migration with different culture and habits have given rise to similar phenomena in the majority of the European states. All that is currently exacerbated by the financial crisis and social insecurity.
Even worse, this new radicalism finds and easy marriage with nationalism and intolerance in too many EU countries – old and new. Also Slovakia has its dose, naturally not in the program and policy of the government.
There is also another major problem, at least in our perspective. It is the raise of aggressive nationalism, striving for revision of the existing borders, chauvinism, extremism, including neo-nazism and neo-fascism as well as anti-semitism. In Slovakia, the government has a policy of “zero tolerance” to such ideologies and confirms it in practice. In the past weeks the government proposed several law amendments against extremism and intolerance. But only as recently as three weeks ago an uniformed group of such neo-nazists from Hungary crossed into the territory of Slovakia to commemorate the Munich Treaty-linked Vienna Arbitrage that in 1938 deprived Slovakia of a major part of its territory, including Kosice. What an outrage!
A positive signal has come from a meeting of PM Fico and PM Gyurcsany of Hungary a week ago in Komarno, Slovakia, where both Prime Ministers declared their readiness to take measures against extremism and aggressive nationalism as well as hate speech.
So, in spite of all the successes of democratic transformation in our region, there are new challenges emerging that require our attention and action. Promoting and protecting democracy is obviously a never-ending process.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
transatlantic relations are the foundation of Slovakia’s security and we believe also of global security, stability and development. In the face of urgent global challenges it is imperative to recognise their importance and to give increased attention to their development on both sides of the Atlantic. This is why we are building Slovak-US and EU-US relations on the principles of mutual trust, responsibility and understanding.
The world is facing a number of old and new threats. New emerging economies in the developing world not always share our values and approaches, and the value system of international relations and international law itself are being frequently challenged. There has been an upsurge of nationalism and fundamentalism, an undiminished threat of terrorism and of irreversible environmental damage and the financial and monetary world is in the grips of a crisis. No country in the world can cope with these challenges on its own, and nor can a transatlantic community that is not united. This calls for the rallying of all countries that adhere to our shared values and objectives, and for stronger and more effective transatlantic links. This is also how we view the participation of our soldiers in ISAF, in the south of Afghanistan. It is vital to demonstrate the strong impact of joint endeavours and the capacity to be a genuine factor of democratic change, security and stability as a prerequisite for sustainable development.
Now, after the elections in the United States, what do we expect from the President-elect Obama? The world and, in particular, Europe expect the expression of a strong political will for genuine partnership, broad and intensive dialogue, a certain change of style in foreign policy, a departure from unilateralism, a restoration of the US high moral ground. It will be important to look for the most effective ways of communication between the transatlantic allies, creating an atmosphere of understanding and cooperation. We want to work with the United States in searching for answers to the challenges of our turbulent times through a strengthened strategic character of the transatlantic partnership.
We do understand the US insistence on the EU assuming a greater share of responsibility for addressing common problems. The EU should indeed be ready to do this. We know that for the EU, failure in this area could mean risking the loss not only of the confidence of its transatlantic ally, but also the respect of a large part of the international community. And without that we cannot expect this improved cooperation in global affairs.
NATO and the underlying alliance with the United States constitute the only real security guarantee for Slovakia. The Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty has been the mainstay of our security. NATO will have to continue to be ready to fulfil its key mandate and tasks vis-à-vis its allies and partners also in the future. Security and security guarantees of the Alliance and its members must remain absolutely credible and indivisible. All the allies must remain at all times convinced, that it is indeed the case. We must indeed “return to the basics”. The Alliance must also be serious about its obligations - and that concerns also where and how far to offer other countries enhanced engagement and cooperation, to extend NATO’s security guarantees. We might be called upon to deliver, and we must understand this when engaging ourselves. We must be serious about our commitments – to the allies and to our partners.
In my view, the key prerequisite for a stable and effective system of international relations is strict compliance with international legal norms and standards and with the internal rules of international organisations and integration structures. Such an attitude is extremely significant for all the countries, and is particularly vital for small and medium-sized countries of the world, especially in terms of respect for their sovereignty and territorial integrity. We are concerned about the process of erosion of this attitude illustrated by the cases of Kosovo, South Ossetia or Abkhazia. It is necessary to stop the spread of such tendencies. I also believe that it is extremely dangerous to use the exercise of collective rights of minorities or ethnic groups (through distortions of international law) as an argument for violating the territorial integrity of internationally recognised states. Moreover, suffice is to mention that Russia justifies its stance on South Ossetia and Abkhazia i.a. by the protection of the rights of its citizens abroad. Or to remember what aggressive nationalism and chauvinism brought to the nations of the Western Balkans in the 90s.
The changing conditions in the world call for a coordinated response by the EU and the United States.
In this regard, I also consider it advisable to forge stronger links between the activities and the plans of the Alliance and those of the EU. Revision of the security concepts of the two structures offers a great opportunity in this regard.
In my view, a potential opportunity for strengthening the transatlantic link is offered by the rapid expansion of transatlantic economic integration. The Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC) created at the June 2007 EU-US summit is a promising endeavour. I believe that it is necessary to make progress in the areas of regulation, innovation, protection of intellectual property, financial markets, and others in order to gradually build a barrier-free transatlantic market.
Only jointly we could effectively address these and other crucial issues of international security, including as perhaps our first priority climate change and energy security.
Energy security and the related development of regional cooperation with Baltic and Caspian Sea and Central Asian countries should continue to be an important theme for EU-US cooperation. We also believe that if the EU and the United States want to reduce their dependency on hydro-carbon energy imports, the only option is to jointly explore new alternative sources of energy and new technologies enabling a more efficient use of renewable energy sources. As this was a hotly debated issue also in the US presidential campaign, the world expects the new US administration to send strong innovation signals. For Slovakia, nuclear energy is one of the options how to achieve energy independence and how to contribute to combating climate changes by i.e. reducing CO2 emissions. Here again, we have to find an agreement with the United States concerning the post-Kyoto arrangements on CO2 emissions. If the new administration does not take an active position on this issue, we will probably end up again with unfulfilled ambitions and commitments. In addition, this global problem must be addressed jointly with other emerging global economies such as India and China.
Naturally, there are also other important issues to be discussed with the United States – such as combating terrorism, solving the Middle East and other conflicts, Iran nuclear program, improving NATO’s capabilities in the area of ballistic missiles, or non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Of special relevance for Slovakia is the inclusion in the transatlantic dialogue a topic of how to work with the new, assertive Russia. It will be imperative to define a common approach to and a common character of relations with this ambitious country, although this could lead occasionally to nervous reactions. Russia is a country with regard to which the EU and the United States share a number of common concerns and interests – mainly in connection with the resolution of regional crises and conflicts, energy security, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, etc. Slovakia is committed to maintaining an open dialogue and cooperation with the Russian Federation on political, economic, security, human rights, cultural and many other issues, on establishing a new EU-Russia framework agreement. This offer of a close partnership and critical dialogue is a desirable objective that is nevertheless possible only if Russia in its international behaviour follows a security doctrine and policies that would not revive confrontations of the past.
A conscientious attitude on the part of India, China and Brazil and effective cooperation in the G-20 format will be essential for effective multilateralism. The transatlantic dialogue must therefore also include the issue of these countries’ growing influence. Together we have to and can address also global poverty and growing inequality or steps needed to filfill the Millenium Development Goals.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The United States and Europe can indeed become a decisive force in the service of the general good. They, however, need to unite over a common vision for a safe and successful future. A strong transatlantic partnership, which also comprises the relations between the United States and the EU, including Slovakia, is the best answer to the global challenges we are facing. We can act together to safeguard and strengthen our common values. Let us start working together on the solutions to urgent issues right from the moment the new American administration takes office. Let us be the leaders in the shaping of a globally more responsible and more just international political, economic and financial system. To have a stabilising effect, it must be based on the respect for international law and the role of the U.N.. Let us take advantage of the global atmosphere of positive expectations of change. Let us use the global crisis as an opportunity to build healthier global relations and healthier economies, and a better life in increased equality and dignity for citizens of the world. This is what they rightly expect us to do.
Washington D.C., November 13, 2008
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Slovak Republic welcomes conclusions on enlargement process assessment of EU (Publikované dňa: 05.11.2008) - Following the publication of the Enlargement Strategy and regular Progress Reports of the European Commission on 5 November 2008 the Slovak Republic welcomes the proposed conclusions.
The Slovak Republic as a permanent promoter of the enlargement process appreciates the positive assessment of the achieved progress in the accession negotiations with Croatia and hopes that this candidate country will fulfill defined criteria to reach the final phase by the end of 2009.
We expect as well that Turkey will continue in the fulfillment of the pre-accession criteria and will proceed on its way to the EU.
We are prepared to support integration ambitions of the Western Balkan countries aiming at the reinforcement of the effective functioning of the Stabilization and Association process in the region.
The enlargement is one of the EU´s most successful policies. We are convinced that this process, which is a key motivational factor speeding up the positive reform processes in the transition countries, will continue forward.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| J. Kubiš at Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial meeting of the Barcelona Process: Union for Mediterranean (Publikované dňa: 04.11.2008) - On 3 and 4 November 2008 the ministerial meting of the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean (BPUM) took place in Marseille where the Slovak Republic was represented by its Foreign Minister Ján Kubiš. The meeting, which was presided by Foreign Ministers of France and Egypt, was attended by Ministers from 43 countries of the EU and the Mediterranean.
The first meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the BPUM was focusing on the implementation of the Paris Declaration from July 2008 with the emphasis on the issues of institutional arrangements of the transformed project as well as the definition of the strategic goals of co-operation in the future. The member States had interest to send a signal to the Mediterranean area about the intention to create the zone of stability, shared prosperity and security in the area of the Mediterranean. The conference was supposed to confirm the legitimacy of the Barcelona Process with the aim to bring closer people of different cultures and confessions.
At the end of the conference was adopted the joint declaration and programme of activites for 2009 in the area of political and security dialogue, economic dimension as well as the social and cultural co-operation. The participants decided to change the name of the process to the Union for the Mediterranean which will have its seat in Barcelona. The ageement was reached also in the question of the full-fledged participation of the League of Arab States in the co-operation as well as on the strengthened position of Israel in the Union for the Mediterranean.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš conferred Golden Medal of Ministry to Ambassador of Kingdom of Spain M. Aguirre de Cárcer (Publikované dňa: 29.10.2008) -
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received today the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Spain to the Slovak Republic Mr. Miguel Aguirre de Cárcer, on the occasion of the completion of his diplomatic mission in Bratislava. Minister J. Kubiš appreciated active involvement and eminent personal contribution of Mr. M. Aguirre de Cárcer in the development of relations between Slovak Republic and Kingdom of Spain. On this occasion he conferred Ambassador of Spain the Golden Medal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic condemns bomb attacks in the Indian State of Assam (Publikované dňa: 30.10.2008) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic strongly condemns a sequence of terrorist bomb attacks in the East Indian city of Guwahati that has led to a loss lives of dozens of innocent civilians. The use of violence for political purposes is unjustifiable. In this regard, we express full support to the Indian government fighting violent separatism and extremism, that sows hatred among the various religious and ethnic groups in India.
Tlačový a komunikačný odbor Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3621
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3638 (3639)
E-mail: tlac@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister Ján Kubiš received Belarussian politician Valery Voronetsky (Publikované dňa: 30.10.2008) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received today the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus Mr. Valery Voronetsky. The talks were focused on the development in Belarus after the parliamentary elections in September, as well as on the relations between EU and Belarus. Partners also discussed bilateral co-operation in cultural and economic spheres focusing on forthcoming process of the privatisation of Belarus enterprises and Slovak businesses participation on that.
V. Voronetsky is also the Chairman of the Slovak-Belarussian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and Scientific Co-operation. During the period 2002-2006 he hold the post of Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to the Slovak Republic.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Slovak MFA resolutely denounces anti-Slovak actions by Hungarian extremists in front of Slovak embassy in Budapest (Publikované dňa: 02.11.2008) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic resolutely denounces the demonstration staged yesterday by Hungarian extremists in the front of the Slovak embassy in Budapest, during which unacceptable anti-Slovak actions occurred and the state symbol of the Slovak Republic, the national flag, was dishonoured.
It is of a particular concern to us that the provocation was again co-organised by radical nationalistic parties and movements such as the Jobbik party and the Hungarian Guard, whose activities Slovakia has been drawing attention to for quite some time. It is therefore regrettable that the Hungarian government has not yet found efficient tools to tackle such extremist manifestations and activities.
The Ministry also considers the continued damaging of Slovak road signs in the village of Mlynky unacceptable and sincerely hopes that no further provocation of this kind will recur.
Regrettably, the Hungarian extremists took the events that occurred during the football match in Dunajská Streda and the subsequent police intervention against the fans who instigated the riots in the stadium as a pretext for their provocative actions. In cases like this, be it inside or outside football stadiums, the Slovak authorities will always apply a policy of zero tolerance against any manifestations of extremism, violence and nationalism.
The Ministry will continue to repeatedly request the competent Hungarian authorities to act with resolve against those who provoke hatred and who undermine the harmonious coexistence between our nations and states. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš discussed the situation today with his Hungarian counterpart Minister Mrs. Kinga Göncz.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš received President of Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia Mrs. R. van Dinther (Publikované dňa: 29.09.2008) - The Slovak Foreign Minister Jan Kubiš and the President of the German Federal State Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia Regina van Dinther agreed today in Bratislava, that the Slovak-German relations are excellent.
Minister J. Kubiš stated that both parties share almost identical views on current issues of the EU foreign and security policy, perhaps except of Kosovo. Both sides stressed the importance of education and exchange student programmes for the further economic growth and cooperation. In this context, Minister J. Kubiš expressed his thanks to the German partners for assistance in realisation of the Slovak Government scholarship programme at German secondary schools.
As the President of the Parliament of North Rhine – Westphalia said, the Slovak Republic enjoys high credit in Germany, there are already four well-working partnerships of the German and Slovak cities and both countries have an interest to increase this number.
J. Kubiš and R. van Dinther also discussed the relation between the support of industrial development on one hand and global issues including the environment protection on the other. Minister Kubiš reminded that Slovakia has already met criteria of the Kyoto Protocol on CO2 emissions. Therefore we would appreciate, if this fact could be taken into account when considering new quotas on CO2 emissions in the EU. According to the Minister it is necessary to avoid too strict and time-strained implementation of commitments, which could excessively damage competitiveness of the Slovak industry and energy segment.
Both partners also touched the energy security issue. J. Kubiš informed the President of the Federal State Parliament about the intention of the Slovak Government to continue with the development of the nuclear power plants in Slovakia to ensure energy self-sufficiency and independence of the country. At the meeting were also discussed other issues of common interest.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Mr. Kubiš and Mr. Miliband in the discussion forum with students (Publikované dňa: 23.10.2008) - On the edge of the State Visit of Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth II to the Slovak Republic, accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the Foreign Ministers of the Slovak Republic and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Mr. Ján Kubiš and Mr. David Wright Miliband, today jointly participate in the discussion forum with students of the University of Economics in Bratislava on the topic „Challenges of Foreign Policy in Europe.“
Tlačový a komunikačný odbor Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3621
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3638 (3639)
E-mail: tlac@foreign.gov.sk |
| J. Kubiš will pay visit to Azerbaijan and to India (Publikované dňa: 27.04.2008) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš will pay an official visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan and to the Republic of India.
During his two-day working visit to Azerbaijan on April 27-28, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic and the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe will be received by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Alijev, by the Speaker of the Parliament Mr. Ogtaj Asadov and by the Prime Minister Mr. Artur Rasizadeh.
During the meeting with his partner Mr. Elmar Mammadjarov minister J. Kubiš will be interested also in the preparations for the upcoming presidential elections that will take place in Azerbaijan on October 15, 2008. In this view he will meet members of the parlamentarian and non-parlamentarian opposition, including the opposition presidential candidates and the representatives of the Azerbaijan NGOs. The program of the visit also include meeting with the representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Mr. Denis Bribosia, as well as with the heads of the offices of the European Commission, OSCE and the UN accredited in Azerbaijan.
From Azerbaijan Minister J. Kubiš will travel to the Republic of India on 30 April 2008. There Minister Kubiš will meet his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee and other Indian representatives. They will discuss concrete measures to expand and strengthen bilateral cooperation in fields such as economics, culture and education. Minister Kubiš´s talks with Indian partners will also include topical regional and international developments.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Slovak MFA welcomed annoucement concerning situation in Tibet (Publikované dňa: 26.04.2008) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic welcomed announcement of a planned meeting of Chinese officials with a representative of Tibet’s spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama in the coming days. The readiness of both sides to start dialog is important step in right direction towards mutual confidence building with the aim of finding non-violent solution of the situation in Tibet acceptable by both sides.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Farewell visit of Irish Ambassador (Publikované dňa: 05.05.2008) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Ján Kubiš, received on May 5, 2008 the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ireland to the Slovak Republic H.E. Mr. Declan Connolly on the occasion of the completion of his diplomatic assignment. Minister J. Kubiš appreciated very good level of the Slovak-Irish relations to which the Ambassador Connolly significantly contributed during his mission in Slovakia. At the same time the Irish Ambassador informed about the preparation of the Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| J. Kubiš at the 118th Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (Publikované dňa: 06.05.2008) - Mr. Ján Kubiš, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic will attend the 118th Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe which will take place in Strasbourg on 7 May 2008. At the same time, he will chair the Session. More than twenty foreign ministers from the Council of Europe member states will participate. Discussion will focus on the important issues including relations between the Council of Europe and the European Union.
Ján Kubiš will take stock of the Slovak Chairmanship and will hand over the Chairmanship of the Council of Europe to Mr. Carl Bildt, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden.
During his visit to Strasbourg, Mr. Kubiš will meet the Council of Europe Secretary General, the OSCE Secretary General, representatives of the upcoming Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers as well as other high-level representatives of the Council of Europe. Ministers will exchange their views on the agenda of South-eastern Europe during an informal lunch hosted by the Slovak Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Stocktaking of the Slovak Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers (Publikované dňa: 07.05.2008) - The Chairmanship of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers will be transferred from Slovakia to Sweden at the 118th Session of the Committee of Ministers in Strasbourg on 7 May 2008. On this day, Mr. Ján Kubiš, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic will take stock of the Slovak Chairmanship and will hand over the Chairmanship of the Council of Europe’s decision-making body to Mr. Carl Bildt, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden.
During its six-month mandate, Slovakia built on the work of the previous Chairmanships´ with a view to furthering the implementation of the priorities decided by the Heads of States and Governments (Warsaw, 2005) to the extent possible. Its full support for the core values of the Council of Europe – democracy, rule of law and human rights resulted in the following priorities:
- Promoting a citizens´ Europe
- Transparent and Efficient Council of Europe
- Respect for and Promotion of Core Values: human rights, democracy and rule of law
A Seminar for national non-governmental organizations organized by the Conference of INGOs, Council of Europe Secretariat in partnership with the Slovak NGO partner and in co-operation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic signified a visible contribution by the Slovak Chairmanship to the promotion of the role of civil society and the strengthening of citizens’ participation. During the seminar, issues of democracy, active citizenship and participation were also discussed.
In the context of the priorities, the Slovak Chairmanship extended its full support to continued cooperation and dialogue between the Council of Europe and the UN, the OSCE and the EU. In his capacity as Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Mr. Ján Kubiš addressed the High Level Segment of the Human Rights Council in Geneva emphasizing the fields of existing and possible future cooperation between both organizations. Further development of intensified dialogue, efforts to promote synergy and cooperation between the Council of Europe and the OSCE were characteristic for the period of last six months. With regard to cooperation with the European Union, the term of the Slovak Chairmanship was marked by the first year of existence of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Council of Europe and the European Union and, at the same time, by intensive discussions on possible implementation of recommendations contained in the Juncker report. The 26th Quadripartite meeting between the Council of Europe and the EU, held on 10 March 2008 at the invitation of the Slovak Chairmanship, provided for another opportunity to discuss at the highest political level some topical issues of common interest. Under the Slovak Chairmanship, a significant breakthrough was achieved in developing further dialogue with EU institutions by organizing an exchange of views on intercultural dialogue with the member of the European Commission, Commissioner Ján Figeľ.
Supporting the human rights protection mechanism created by the European Convention on Human Rights as well as promoting activities of the European Court of Human Rights were of crucial importance for the Slovak Chairmanship. A Seminar on the role of governmental agents in ensuring effective human rights protection was held in Bratislava in March 2008. It provided valuable suggestions with regard to strengthening the active contribution of agents in ensuring compatibility of legislation and practice with the Council of Europe. During our Chairmanship, the attempts to draw up a comprehensive strategy in order to secure the effectiveness of the Council of Europe’s human rights protection system have reached an important stage.
The intention of the Slovak Chairmanship was to encourage a constructive dialogue between the Council of Europe and Belarus. With the active contribution of the Slovak Chairmanship, a meeting of experts, organized in cooperation by the Constitutional Court of Belarus, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus and the Venice Commission, was held in Minsk. This event was regarded by both the Constitutional Court of Belarus and the Venice Commission, as a contribution to the re-establishment of working contacts between them. Another project of the Slovak Chairmanship was aimed at the establishment of the Council of Europe Information Point in Minsk as a publicly accessible structure housed within the Belarus State University, Faculty of Journalism. An agreement between the Council of Europe and the Belarus State University on the establishment of the Information Point is expected to be signed in the coming days.
The Slovak Chairmanship paid constant attention to actual developments in Council of Europe member states. The Chairman of the Committee of Ministers, Minister Ján Kubiš paid several visits to member states. When meeting with state authorities, representatives of political parties and NGOs, Minister Kubiš reported on evaluation by the Council of Europe on the country situation and encouraged to continue in democratic reforms.
The Chairman of the Committee of Ministers issued numerous statements marking important dates linked to Council of Europe fields of interest (International Human Rights Day, Holocaust Remembrance Day, 10th anniversary of Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, International Roma Day, etc.).
Within the framework of the Slovak Chairmanship several events took place, among them the 8th Conference of European Ministers of Health (Bratislava, 22-23 November 2007), Conference “Education and Training of Roma Children and Youth: the way forward” (Bratislava, 8–9 April 2008), Conference ”Improving governance at local level: tools and strategy“ (Piešťany, 16–18 April 2008), Conference “Education through Sport” (Bratislava, 17-18 April 2008), the 7th meeting of the Workshops for the implementation of the European Landscape Convention (Piešťany, 24-25 April 2008). A meeting of the Standing Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe took place in Bratislava on 23 November 2007.
Full text of the Report of the Slovak Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers is available on www.mzv.sk and www.coe.int.
Tlačový a komunikačný odbor Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3621
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3638 (3639)
E-mail: tlac@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister Ján Kubiš will meet UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (Publikované dňa: 12.05.2008) - Today the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš initiates his working visit to the United Nations Headquarters in New York. During his talks with partners Minister Kubiš will focus on the issues of Security Sector Reform (SSR), Western Balkans and the appointment of Ambassador Mr. Miroslav Jenča as Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. Upon invitation from the President of the Security Council, Minister Kubiš will deliver a statement in front of the Security Council on the topic of SSR.
During his visit, he will also hold a series of bilateral meetings with representatives of the UN Secretariat, including UN Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-moon, permanent representatives of UN member states as well as with Mr. Richard Holbrooke, former Permanent Representative of the USA to the United Nations and main US negotiator of the Dayton Agreement and with Mr. Frank Wiesner, US Special Envoy for Kosovo and Metohija.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Slovak MFA appreciates peaceful conduct and high turn-out at elections in Serbia (Publikované dňa: 12.05.2008) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic appreciates peaceful and orderly conduct and high turn-out at the elections which were held in the Republic of Serbia on 11 May 2008. The conduct of the elections has confirmed the course of Serbia towards the European and democratic standards.
Elections have proved the interest of the voters in the Serbia´s integration to the European Union. Slovak Republic consistently supports integration ambitions of the Western Balkan countries, including Serbia.
The Ministry believes in responsible approach of that the Serbian political parties to the negotiations on a new government so that the government could lead the country towards improvement of the lives of the citizens, strengthen peace and stability in the region.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš on the 5th Summit EU – Latin America and Caribbean (Publikované dňa: 14.05.2008) - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Jan Kubiš will lead the Slovak delegation on the 5th Summit of Heads of State and Government of Latin America, the Caribbean and the European Union that will take place from May 15 to 17 in the Peruvian capital Lima.
Top-level meeting is held biannually by turns on either of two continents. Its goal is to accelerate the integration process of the two blocs and to seek common solutions to the global challenges and regional problems. The key topics of this year’s summit are the poverty, inequality and social inclusion as well as sustainable development, environment, climate change and energy.
For the Slovak Republic - as a member of the EU - it is already the third summit of the kind and a welcomed opportunity to present its views to the raised topics. In this respect Slovakia can use the advantage of its traditionally good reputation in Latin America.
Minister Kubiš will make use of the Lima forum to inform his partners on Slovakia’s attitudes and experiences in the field of regional integration. Subsequently, at the meeting of Heads of delegations the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic will approach the topic of sustainable development and climate change.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Cuba Solidarity Day (Publikované dňa: 20.05.2008) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic remembers, together with the world’s democratic community, the Cuba Solidarity Day on May 21, 2008. Its objective is to draw attention to the human rights situation in Cuba and to support the demands for release of all political prisoners.
In this context, Slovak MFA hopes that the Cuban Government will create preconditions for fulfillment of legitimate expectations of all Cubans for democratization of their country and for improvement of their living conditions. Slovak MFA is convinced that the best way to achieve this goal is to release all political prisoners and to begin an open and free dialogue with the civil society and political opposition.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister Mr. Ján Kubiš met Vice President of South Africa Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka (Publikované dňa: 21.05.2008) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš met today the Vice President of the Republic of South Africa Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka who is currently on official visit to the Slovakia. Both sides confirmed good level of Slovak_South African relations and expressed interest to expand cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, science and education. They appreciated as well interoperation in the UN in the area of the Security Sector Reform and exchanged also views on the international developments and the current situation in the region of South Africa and in the southeastern Europe.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš received Chinese Ambassador Huang Zhongpo (Publikované dňa: 24.04.2008) - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received today Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Slovak Republic Mr. Huang Zhongpo on the occasion of the completion of his diplomatic assignment. In recognition of the active involvement and personal contribution of Ambassador Huang Zhongpo to the development of friendly relations between Slovakia and China during his assignment in Bratislava between 2003 and 2008, Minister J. Kubiš conferred upon the Chinese diplomat the Golden Medal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic. Both partners appraised the constructive and well-balanced cooperation between the two countries and confirmed the interest for its further comprehensive development including the area of trade and economy.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Slovak MFA welcomes opening of Delegation of EC in Belarus (Publikované dňa: 21.04.2008) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic welcomes opening of the Delegation of the European Commission in the capital of the Republic of Belarus on April 18, 2008. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic considers the opening of the European Commission´s Delegation in Minsk as a positive step in the relationship between the European Union and the Republic of Belarus and believes that activities of the Delegation will contribute to further development of the mutual co-operation and intensification of communication between the EU and Belarus.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš will pay an official visit of Serbia (Publikované dňa: 18.04.2008) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš will pay an official visit of the Republic of Serbia on 20-22 April 2008. During the visit in Belgrade and Pristina the Minister will have bilateral consultations with the highest officials of the Republic of Serbia, representatives of k/Serbs, political representation of k/Albanians as well as members of International Community`s agencies in Kosovo. Discussion of the Minister J. Kubiš with his partners will be focused on the possibilities to enhance the mutual relations with the Republic of Serbia, integration process of Serbia to the EU, the general situation in the Western Balkans region and the Kosovo issue.
Tlačový a komunikačný odbor Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3621
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3638 (3639)
E-mail: tlac@foreign.gov.sk |
| Slovak MFA position on protest rallies to be staged on 19 April 2008 in front of some Slovak embassies in connection with the adoption of a September 2007 resolution of the Slovak Parliament on ‘indisputability of post-war documents (Publikované dňa: - A chain of protest rallies against the Decrees of President Benes is being planned to be staged in front of a number of Slovak embassies abroad on 19 April 2008. These protests are part of a coordinated campaign the purpose of which is to call the results of World War II in doubt. These protests are being prepared and organised by 25 Hungarian extremist and irredentist organisations from several countries. Significantly enough, most of these organisations are considered extreme-rightist, xenophobic and ultra-nationalistic also in Hungary.
The declared reason for staging these protests is a resolution passed by the Slovak Parliament in September 2007 on the indisputability of post-war documents on the arrangements in Slovakia in the aftermath of the WWII. In its resolution, however, the Slovak Parliament unambiguously refuted the principle of collective guilt. Adoption of the said resolution has no impact whatsoever on the substance of the Decrees, nor does it affect their expiration or change in any way the legal status quo in Slovakia.
The Decrees of President Benes must be perceived as an integral part of the post-war arrangements determined by the victorious allies of the anti-fascist coalition. They constitute a part of the historical and legal heritage of the former Czechoslovak federation. The Decrees were issued in reaction to fascism, Nazism, irredentism, the pre-war events (Vienna Arbitrage, in particular), as well as the events of WWII, which entailed the occupation of those parts of the former Czechoslovakia which are now a part of the Slovak Republic.
Also the European Commission considers the issue of the Benes Decrees closed. The authors of the 2002 study “Legal Opinion of the Benes Decrees and the Accession of the Czech Republic to the European Union”, commissioned by the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament, came to the same conclusion. The report, among other things, concludes that the 1945/46 confiscation of property raises no issue in the context of the accession because the accession conditions contained in the EU Treaty are not retroactive.
With a view to the fact that the Decrees of President Benes are no longer capable of creating new legal relations, any attempt to assess their compliance with the EU law is irrelevant.
In this connection, the MFA expresses concern over the fact that there are still forces in the modern Europe of 21st century which intend to reopen the past and stir up tension and misunderstanding between our citizens, nations and states through one-sided and distorted interpretations of the history. The Slovak Republic resolutely refutes any attempt to abuse this chapter of our history in pursuit of a political agenda and condemns any protest events of a similar nature or orientation. Slovakia is not prepared to accept this sort of pressure, besmirch and denial of history.
On the contrary, the MFA remains convinced of the need to create and develop an atmosphere of mutual trust, availing ourselves of the opportunities offered by the uniting Europe, a community that respects, upholds and shares the principles of freedom, human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Although the EU project did take lessons from history, it is a forward-looking project above all.
Tlačový a komunikačný odbor Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3621
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3638 (3639)
E-mail: tlac@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš left today to Roma (Publikované dňa: 10.04.2008) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Jan Kubiš left today for the working visit to the Holy See and to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
On Friday in Vatican Minister J. Kubiš will meet the State Secretary Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and the Secretary for the Relation with States Mons. Dominique Mamberti. Besides the issues of bilateral cooperation, Minister J. Kubiš with his partners will discuss some actual aspects of international politics.
Together with the Head of Vatican diplomacy Mons. Mamberti, Minister Kubiš will take part on the presentation of the proceedings to the international conference „Slovakia and the Holy See in the 20th century“, joint edition of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic to the Holy See and of the Libreria Editrice Vaticana, at the occasion of 15th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Slovak Republic and the Holy See.
Then Mr. Ján Kubiš will be received in Rome – as the first foreign minister – by the newly elected Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta Frŕ Matthew Festing. During the meeting, the common projects of social aid in Slovakia and the experiences in field of human aid in crisis regions around the world will be discussed.
Minister Kubiš will meet in Rome also the representatives of the Community of St. Egidio and of the St. Cyrillus and Metodius Pontifical Slovak Institute.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Slovak MFA on police reform in BiH (Publikované dňa: 11.04.2008) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic welcomes an adoption of the police reform laws in the Parliament of BiH as the necessary condition for the signature of the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU.
At the same time the Ministry appreciates activities of High Representative of International Community and EU Special Representative in BiH Mr. Miroslav Lajčák who contributed to this significant step with his remarkable endeavour.
Once again it was confirmed that European perspective is the most important incentive for the solution of difficult issues in BiH as well as in whole Western Balkans region. Slovakia is a consistent advocate of Thessaloniky Agenda and welcomes all positive steps of the Western Balkans countries on their path to the EU.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Slovak MFA welcomes adoption of Lisbon Treaty (Publikované dňa: 11.04.2008) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic welcomes the approval of the Lisbon Treaty at the National Council of the Slovak Republic on 10 April 2008. Slovak Republic has become the ninth Member State of the European Union that has supported the Lisbon Treaty.
The Lisbon Treaty will enhance the effectiveness of the EU and it will improve EU capacities in coping with global challenges like, for example, energy security, migration and climate change. EU decision-making mechanisms will be more transparent. The Lisbon Treaty will bring the EU closer to citizens.
Ratification process will be accomplished when the President of the Slovak Republic signs the ratification instruments and when these are deposited in the archives of the Government of the Italian Republic.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Quadripartite meeting between CoE and EU (Publikované dňa: 10.03.2008) - The 26th Quadripartite meeting between the Council of Europe and the European Union was held in Brussels on 10 March 2008 at the invitation of the Slovak Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. This event was the highest meeting of representatives of both institutions during Slovak Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
It was attended, on the Council of Europe side, by Mr Ján Kubiš, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and the Right Hon Terry Davis, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, and on the European Union side, by Mr Dimitrij Rupel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, President of the Council of the European Union and Mr Karel Kovanda, Deputy Director General in the External Relations Directorate General of the European Commission.
Discussions were devoted to the assessment of existing co-operation and its further promotion in areas of pre-electoral assistance to member states of the Council of Europe as well as of co-operation in South-East Europe. The participants evaluated the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Council of Europe and the European Union signed in May 2007. They underlined the importance of further co-operation in the field of human rights, the rule of law and pluralist democracy.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš will participate at spring summit of EU (Publikované dňa: 12.03.2008) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš will participate as a member of the official Slovak Delegation led by the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Mr. Robert Fico at the European Council meeting, which will take place on 13 and 14 March 2008 in Brussels.
The spring summit of the European Union will traditionally be focused on the Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs. The discussion will be aimed at the evaluation of the progress made by the Member States in performing the Lisbon tasks and at defining the priorities and the goals for the new three-year cycle (2008 – 2010).
Another central theme of the summit will be the evaluation of the progress in the area of energy and the fight against climate change with reference to the ambitious commitments agreed in this area at the last spring summit. The European Council will also be devoted to the stability in the financial markets and to the international relations.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| J. Kubiš will pay a working visit to the Kingdom of Sweden (Publikované dňa: 17.02.2008) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Jan Kubis is paying a working visit to the Kingdom of Sweden on 18.-19. February 2008. One of the main subjects of the talks with his counterpart the Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bidt in Stockholm will be the evaluation of current Slovak-swedish bilateral relations, consideration of their further development potentialities, cooperation on the ground of EU and possibly the regional format V4+.
In addition, ministers will discuss various international issues such as the situation in particular the current developments in the Western Balkans, Africa, the Middle East, Africa and the hot events on the ground of the Council of Europe and the UN.
The talks of the Foreign Minister Jan Kubis and the Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt follow up the dialogue on the level of both countries Foreign Affairs department representatives.
Tlačový a komunikačný odbor Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3621
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3638 (3639)
E-mail: tlac@foreign.gov.sk |
| Slovak MFA takes note of Kosovo unilateral declaration of independence (Publikované dňa: 17.02.2008) - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic takes note of the Kosovo unilateral declaration of independence. For the time being Slovakia does not consider recognizing Kosovo on the basis of this declaration.
Slovakia has always been in favour of the final settlement of the Kosovo status based upon an agreement with the decisive role of the UN Security Council in accordance with the UN-approved principles of the Contact Group. As agreed by the international community prolonging of the status quo was not a solution, either.
Slovakia will closely follow the development of the situation in Kosovo and the region as well as the steps of the international community. Only after evaluating the situation Slovakia will decide on its further steps.
At the same time, Slovakia will support all activities of the UN, European Union, NATO OSCE and Council of Europe regarding Kosovo, primarily by the means of Slovak participation at NATO (KFOR) and the EU (EULEX) missions based on the UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš hosted delegation of Helsinki Commission of U.S. Congress (Publikované dňa: 20.02.2008) - On February 20th Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš hosted the delegation of the Helsinki Commission of the U.S. Congress headed by Co-chairman Congressman Mr. Alcee L. Hastings (D – MD) and Mrs. Hilda L. Solis (D-CA). The representatives of the Helsinki Commission realized the one-day visit of the Slovak Republic in the framework of the participation on the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE in Vienna. This was a follow-up meeting after the talks with the representatives of Helsinki Commission during the visit of Minister Kubiš in the USA on February 12th. Main topic of the meeting was the assessment of the situation in Kosovo immediately after unilateral declaration of its independence. Next issues discussed were the situation of the Roma minority and amendmentas of the Press law and of the NGO law. Minister Kubiš explained to the partners concrete steps the Slovak Government undertakes to improve the situation of all minorities and the stay of the legislation process of mentioned laws.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Slovak MFA on presidential elections in Armenia (Publikované dňa: 20.02.2008) - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic closely followed the process of presidential elections in Armenia also through participation of its own representatives in the OSCE International Election Observation Mission. Slovak MFA welcomes peaceful course of the elections and appreciates a high level of participation.
Presidential elections confirmed progress in the area of democracy and were conducted mostly in line with Armenia´s international commitments. In the future, however, there is a need for Armenia to focus on further necessary reforms. Slovak MFA believes that Armenia will successfully continue in development of democracy and reform policy.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš is at the present the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš received the Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister (Publikované dňa: 22.02.2008) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received today the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Mr. Mohamed Taher Siala. Both sides confirmed the interest in the development of the Slovak-Libyan relations with emphasis on trade and economic cooperation and preparation of respective agreements.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš received Turkish Ambassador (Publikované dňa: 05.03.2008) - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received today Special Representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, Ambassador Ms. Birnur Fertekligil. Turkish diplomat informed Minister J. Kubiš about the candidacy of Turkish city Izmir to organize Universal Exhibition EXPO in 2015.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Slovak MFA on developments in Taiwan Strait (Publikované dňa: 07.03.2008) - In conjunction with the upcoming Taiwan presidential elections, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic does not consider as appropriate any recourse to unilateral actions that could be perceived as destabilizing the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. Any escalation of the situation undermines the stability in the region with international implications.
The Slovak Republic as a member of the European Union, following the “One China” principle, is interested in the continued development of Taiwan based on democratic principles, supports its practical cooperation and pragmatic participation in specialised international fora, acting in the global public interest. The Slovak Republic supports in principle the peaceful solution of the Taiwan question through the dialogue between the parties concerned.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš on working visit to Armenia (Publikované dňa: 24.02.2008) - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic and the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe Mr. Ján Kubiš will pay a working visit to Armenia on February 24-26, 2008. During the visit, he will be received by the President Mr. Robert Kocharian, Prime Minister Mr. Serge Sarkisian, Speaker of the Parliament Mr. Tigran Torossian and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Vartan Oskanian. Talks will be focused on the strengthening of the political dialogue, economic co-operation and current international issues.
The situation in Armenia after the presidential elections will be the main topic of Mr. Kubiš discussion with the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe in Armenia Mrs. Bojana Urumova and the Head of Mission of the OSCE in Armenia Mr. Sergey Kapinos. J. Kubiš will also meet representatives of NGO´s in Armenia.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubis received US Ambassador V. Obsitnik (Publikované dňa: 26.02.2008) - Today, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received the US Ambassador to Slovakia Mr. Vincent Obsitnik on a regular working meeting. The meeting was primary focused on the issues related to the unilateral declaration of Kosovo independence. Other topics discussed during the meeting were the US Anti-Missile Defence System in Europe, NATO´s commitments in Afghanistan and summit of the Alliance in Bucharest. In the conclusion of the meeting both partners exchanged the information related to the next steps leading Slovak republic into the US Visa Waiver Program.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš at Permanent Council of OSCE (Publikované dňa: 28.02.2008) - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš delivered his speech to the Permanent Council of the OSCE in Vienna today as the chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. In his speech he introduced the Slovak Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. One of its priorities is the co-operation of the Council of Europe with other international organizations.
Minister J. Kubiš underlined the co-operation of the Council of Europe with the OSCE both at the political and expert level and supported the address of the Secretary General of the OSCE to the Council of Europe. He stressed that one of the challengies both organizations are facing is to avoid duplication in their activities on the ground. Giving an example of complementarity of the Council of Europe and the OSCE minister Kubiš mentionned their co-operation in Belgrade, Pristina and Yerevan.
Minister Kubiš also informed that the Slovak Chairmanship would organise several events, particularly conference on the 10th Anniversary of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (March 11, Strasbourg) and the European conference on education of Roma children and youth (April 8-9, Bratislava) with high level participation of the OSCE representatives. Full text of the speech is available at: www.coe.int or www.mzv.sk.
During the visit Minister Kubiš met with the Secretary General of the OSCE Mr. Marc P. Brichambaut and the Head of Conflict Prevention Centre of the OSCE Mr. Herbert Salber.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister Ján Kubiš, Chairman of Committee of Ministers on 10th anniversary of European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (Publikované dňa: 29.02.2008) - Mr. Ján Kubiš, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic and chairman-in-office of the Committee of Ministers, stated the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages was an occasion to highlight this Council of Europe instrument which enjoys an important international recognition.
Minister J. Kubiš underlined that the protection of the historical regional or minority languages of Europe contributes to the maintenance and development of Europe’s cultural wealth, traditions and common European cultural heritage. He stressed the value of interculturalism and multilingualism and recalled that according to the Charter, the protection and encouragement of regional or minority languages should not be to the detriment of the official languages and the need to learn them.
Minister Kubiš finally stated that under the Slovak Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers, a conference will be organised on 11 March 2008 in Strasbourg to mark the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. Both instruments share a number of similarities, but each of them has different objectives. Framework Convention focuses on the protection of the national minorities, while Charter protects and promotes regional or minority languages and the cultural diversity. The conference will serve as a forum for reflection on the implementation of both instruments and discussion on their future impact.
The European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages was conceived to protect and promote the traditional regional or minority languages of Europe. It has so far been ratified by 23 European states and signed by 10 more. In the past decade, the Charter’s Expert Committee and the Committee of Ministers have carried out several exercises monitoring countries’ compliance with the Charter.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš on Munich Conference on Security Policy (Publikované dňa: 08.02.2008) - On February 9, 2008, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Ján Kubiš will participate in the 44th Munich Conference on Security Policy. The theme of the Conference is ,,World in disarray - shifting powers - lack of strategies”. During the conference Minister J. Kubiš will hold bilateral talks with the Foreign Ministers of Albania and Montenegro.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš received Ambassadors of member states of GUAM (Publikované dňa: 05.02.2008) - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Mr. Ján Kubiš received today Ambassadors of the member states of the Organization for democracy and economic development GUAM (Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Moldova). Mr. Fuad Ismayilov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the country which at present holds the Presidency in the organization, expressed the interest of GUAM to co-operate with Visegrad group countries and with the European Union. Minister J. Kubiš declared Slovakia´s support to the Organization for democracy and economic development GUAM and appreciated its activity to the UN and the OSCE. In further discussion minister J. Kubiš was interested in the current development and perspectives of settling the issue of so-called protracted conflicts in the territory of three GUAM states.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Slovak MFA is concerned for situation in Burma/Myanmar (Publikované dňa: 31.01.2008) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic condemns the continued arrests and repressions against pro-democracy activists in Burma/Myanmar despite the assurances, given by the PM of Burma’s military government to the UN SG Special Adviser Ibrahim Gambari. The present dialogue between the Government’s liaison and the opposition leader, Nobel Prize´ laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, so far has not proven sincere and has not delivered any concrete results.
Slovak MFA repeatedly calls on the military Government to begin, without further delay, a genuine, all-inclusive dialogue directed towards a true democratisation of the country, national reconciliation and respect to human rights. At the same time, again, we urge the immediate release of all detained political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš on occasion of 10th anniversary of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (Publikované dňa: 31.01.2008) - Ján Kubiš, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic and chairman-in-office of the Committee of Ministers, stated the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities as an important day in the Council of Europe efforts to protect and promote human rights in Europe, of which rights of persons belonging to national minorities are part and parcel. Mr. Kubiš recalled that the Convention was the first legally binding multilateral instrument on minority protection.
Minister Kubiš underlined that the effective protection of rights of persons belonging to national minorities is a core issue for the Council of Europe. The Committee of Ministers, assisted by the Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, regularly upholds rights of persons belonging to national minorities in its work and the monitoring results of the Framework Convention have gained increased visibility. The rights embodied in the Framework Convention obviously contribute to the strengthening of cooperation among European democracies on the basis of objective standards. He further pointed out that the legal and practical improvements noted in most of the State parties attest to the important role and place the Framework Convention plays in strengthening the legal guarantees of these rights in the system of minority protection .
Minister J. Kubiš underlines that ten years is a good benchmark to sum up the experience gathered in implementing the Framework Convention and to reflect on its specific influence in increasing the level of minority protection. With this in mind, under the Slovak Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers, a conference will be organised on 11 March to discuss the impact of the Framework Convention for the future.
To date the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities has been ratified by 39 European states and signed by 4. In the past decade, the Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention and the Committee of Ministers have carried out two cycles of monitoring of State parties’ compliance with the Framework Convention.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš at Plenary Session of Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (Publikované dňa: 20.01.2008) - On January 21, 2008 the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš will join the official Slovak delegation led by Prime Minister Mr. Robert Fico at his working trip to the Plenary Session of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly in Strasbourg.
Minister J. Kubiš will take part in Prime Minister’s meetings with the outgoing President of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Mr. René van der Linden, President of the European Court of Human Rights Mr. Jean-Paul Costa and with the Council of Europe Secretary-General Mr. Terry Davis. Slovak Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs will attend an official luncheon hosted by the new elected President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
On alternate day Minister Kubiš, in his capacity as Chairman of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers will address the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly. Following his speech, he will answer questions raised by members of the Parliamentary Assembly.
Slovak Foreign Minister and Chairman-in-Office of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers is expected to meet with the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Thomas Hammarberg and with the Secretary of the Venice Commission (European Commission for Democracy through Law), Mr. Gianni Buquicchio. Mr. Kubiš will meet also with the new elected President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe whose name will be reported on Monday.
The Plenary Session of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly will be held on 21 – 25 January 2008.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš received Ambassador of Ukraine I. Ohnivec (Publikované dňa: 21.12.2007) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received today the Anbassador of Ukraine to the Slovak Republic Mrs. Inna Ohnivets. During the meeting they discussed the working visit of Minister J. Kubiš to Ukraine on December 26-28, 2007. During the visit Minister will meet the new Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Volodymir Ohryzko and others representatives of the new Ukrainian Government and will participate at the celebration of the 90th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Diplomatic Service. Minister Kubiš and Ambassador Ohnivec discussed also the planned bilateral visits for 2008, the agreement on the frontier traffic and Ukrainian integration aspirations to the EU and the NATO. Ukrainian Ambassador acknowledged for the Slovak assistance in sharing of the Slovak experience from the pre-accesion period to EU.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Mr. J. Kubiš on resolution calling for a worldwide moratorium on executions (Publikované dňa: 21.12.2007) - Mr. Ján Kubiš, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic and Chairman-in-office of the Council of Europe, has welcomed recent decision of the UN General Assembly to concerning a worldwide moratorium on executions. Bearing in mind the Council of Europe’s relentless struggle over the last thirty years to relegate capital punishment to the past, and the fact that 2007 has marked the 10th consecutive year without an execution in any of its 47 member states, Mr. Kubiš, has particularly recognized the contribution of the organization in the fight against such a challenge and the fact that the Resolution is fully in line with its firm position regarding capital punishment.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Statement of the Slovak MFA J. Kubiš regarding the recent executions in Japan and Belarus (Publikované dňa: 12.12.2007) - As Chairman of the Committee of Ministers I should like to express deep regret about the recent executions carried out in Japan and Belarus. We strongly condemn the use the death penalty and spare no effort to continue in fighting against it. Coming at a time where the UN is about to call for a global moratorium on executions, these executions also go against a clear international trend to put an end to this punishment.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Slovak MFA on Russian decision to unilaterally suspend implementation of Treaty on CFE (Publikované dňa: 12.12.2007) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic deeply regrets the decision of the Russian Federation to unilaterally suspend the implementation of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE). Slovak MFA considers the Treaty as a cornerstone of European security and supports its long-term viability.
Slovakia continues to be ready to actively participate in the process leading to the resolution of outstanding concerns of all States Parties that would contribute to confidence, stability and security in Europe. With this in mind, provided that certain conditions are met, Slovakia would strenuously pursue the entry into force of the CFE adapted Treaty through a constructive dialogue.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš will sign Lisbon Treaty (Publikované dňa: 12.12.2007) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš will join the official Slovak Delegation lead by the Prime Minister Mr. Robert Fico at his working trip to Portugal and Belgium 13 and 14 December 2007.
The official signing ceremony of the Lisbon Treaty amending the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Community will take place in Lisbon on 13 December 2007. The Prime Minister Mr. Robert Fico and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Ján Kubiš will sign the Treaty on behalf of the Slovak Republic.
The Member States of the EU reached the agreement on the Treaty at the Intergovernmental Conference held on the margins of EU informal summit 18 October 2007 in Lisbon. The Treaty should be ratified by the end of 2008, so that it enters into force from 1 January 2007, before the upcoming European Parliament elections in June 2009. The Lisbon Treaty brings about important institutional changes to the functioning of the EU. They are essential for Union’s and its Member States’ ability to more effectively solve current and future problems and challenges.
The European Council meeting will take place on 14 December 2007 in Brussels. The negotiations of the Heads of State or Government and Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the EU Member States will mainly focus on the EU cooperation with important world partners and current situation regarding Kosovo. The European Council will welcome the enlargement of the Schengen area and will adopt the declaration on globalisation and the mandate for the establishment of the Reflection Group.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| State Secretary Ms. D. Strofova held negotiations with Canadian Delegation on Visa Waiver Program (Publikované dňa: 27.11.2007) - The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Ms. Diana Strofova held negotiations with the Canadian Expert Delegation on the questions of visa-duty for Slovak citizens traveling to Canada and the possibility of its abolition, today at the Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bratislava. During the discussion State Secretary stressed that Slovakia is meeting the Canadian political and social criteria required for visa regime abolition.
Canadian side confirmed its interest in the intensive dialog on the political and expert level with the goal to work with Slovakia on the criteria fulfillment and early inclusion of Slovakia to the Canadian Visa Waiver Program.
Canadian delegation also held the discussion with the experts of the Slovak Ministry of Interior and Police Corps. The purpose of negotiation was collection of information and data, which will be used for assessment of Slovakia’s preparedness for visa duty abolition.
The Canadian delegation will travel to Hungary, Latvia and Poland for the same negotiations.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Slovak MFA welcomed results of Annapolis Conference (Publikované dňa: 28.11.2007) - The MFA of the Slovak Republic welcomed the results of the Middle East peace conference, initiated by the US President George W. Bush in Annapolis. The MFA highly appreciates the constructive approach of Israeli and Palestinian representatives who agreed to engage in efforts to reach a peace agreement by the end of 2008. The wide and broad participation of key international subjects at the conference creates favorable conditions for further peace negotiations. The MFA of the Slovak Republic will support further Israeli-Palestinian talks aimed on reaching the lasting and just settlement in the Middle East based on a two-State solution, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Slovak MFA condemns bomb attacks in Colombo (Publikované dňa: 29.11.2007) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic strongly condemns yesterday’s bomb attacks in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo and conveys deep sympathy to the families of victims. At the same time the Slovak MFA expresses its hope that politically motivated violent acts of extremists will not recur and will not disrupt country’s reconciliation process. The only way to peace and stability in the country leads through a political dialogue between the conflicting parties.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Slovak Republic will provide humanitarian aid to Bangladesh (Publikované dňa: 29.11.2007) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš has decided on provision two million SKK for humanitarian aid to victims of Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh. The financial contribution of the Slovak Republic is addressed to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) that provides the immediate needs including food and non-food items, basic health care, clean water, sanitation, infrastructure recovery and the provision of basic relief items to the vulnerable population. Humanitarian aid of the Slovak Republic is an act of confirmation of solidarity with the people suffernig from humanitarian disaster, which struck Bangladesh on 18 November 2007, killed over 3,500 people, and another 30,000 injured.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš received American Diplomat Mrs. R. A. DiCarlo (Publikované dňa: 29.11.2007) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received today Mrs. Rosemary A. DiCarlo, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of European and Euroasian Affairs. Minister Kubiš and American Diplomat, who just came back from negociations in Austrian city Baden, assesed actual process of talks about Kosovo status and discussed about further developments related to this issue. In connection with the situation in Bosna and Herzegovina, that they also discussed, Mrs. R. A. DiCarlo and Mr. Kubiš concurred on the support to HR/EUSR in BiH, Mr. Miroslav Lajčák.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Statement of the Regional Partnership Foreign Ministers Meeting in Brussels (Publikované dňa: 19.11.2007) - The Foreign Ministers of the countries of the Regional Partnership (Austria, Czech Republic Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia) met on the margin of the GAERC in Brussels on 19 November 2007, upon the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia Ján Kubiš, the current informal Presidency in the Regional Partnership.
The meeting was attended by the Foreign Minister of Austria Ursula Plassnik, Vice Prime Minister for European Affairs of the Czech Republic Alexandr Vondra, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary Kinga Göncz, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Radoslaw Sikorski, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia Ján Kubiš and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia Dimitrij Rupel.
The Ministers welcomed the new Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Radoslaw Sikorski.
The Ministers welcomed the forthcoming abolition of border controls for new member states of the Schengen area.
Minister Rupel introduced the priorities of the forthcoming Slovenian Presidency of the EU in the first half of 2008, which i.a. include energy and climate issues, Lisbon agenda, ratification of the EU Reform Treaty, intercultural dialogue and the South-East Europe, specifically the Kosovo issue.
The Ministers discussed the situation in the Western Balkans, mainly the situation in Kosovo. They stressed the need of the unity of the EU after the 10 December 2007, when the negotiations of the Parties under Troika will have been finalized and the Troika will have presented its report to the UN Secretary General. The Ministers supported the discussion on the report by the UN Security Council and will support the rapid EU decision and the deployment of the ESDP Mission to Kosovo on the basis of the UN SC Resolution 1244.
The Foreign Ministers of the Regional Partnership expressed their full support for the HR/EUSR for Bosnia and Herzegovina Miroslav Lajčák and his decisions and proposals and urged the Bosnia and Herzegovina parties to implement them fully and promptly. They emphasized the need to continue the political process in Bosnia and Herzegovina in line with Dayton Agreement, including the Bonn powers of the High Representative. They strongly warned political forces, notably of Republika Srpska, against moves that undermine the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its functionality.
The Ministers welcomed the initiation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with Serbia. They emphasized their commitment to continue the cooperation with Serbia, including the visa facilitation program.
With regard to the Membership Action Plan (MAP) of the three Adriatic Charter States the Ministers encouraged the candidate countries Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Albania to accelerate their work in preparation for the NATO membership, that has their support.
Minister Kubiš informed about the priorities of the Slovak Presidency in the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers: promoting a citizens’ Europe, a transparent and efficient Council of Europe, respect for and promotion of core values: human rights, rule of law and democracy. He underlined the interest of Slovakia's Council of Europe Chairmanship to give impetus to cooperation between the Council of Europe and Belarus, notably in agreeing with the authorities on opening the Council of Europe's information points in Belarus, that would enable the civil society to get better access to the Council of Europe's acquis.
The Foreign Ministers of the Regional Partnership confirmed the interest to foster EU cooperation with Ukraine and look forward to engage with the new government of Ukraine. They i.a. discussed possibilities to expand cooperation in the areas of border management and migration. The Ministers expressed their condolences to the families of the victims of the recent mine disaster in Ukraine.
The Ministers expressed their regret that with regard to the December 2007 parliamentary elections for the first time since 1990 it was made impossible for ODIHR – the independent OSCE institution responsible for election matters - to conduct full-fledged election observation in the Russian Federation. This is a deviation from the usual practice and the well established OSCE election observation regime. The Ministers also expressed their strong expectation that ODIHR will be given the possibility to observe the 2008 Presidential election in full accordance with the respective OSCE commitments.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Cooperation between Council of Europe and OSCE during Slovak presidency in CE (Publikované dňa: 09.10.2007) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received today the Ambassador of Finland to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) residing in Vienna Mr. Antti Turunen. During the meeting both representatives informed each other about priorities of the Slovak presidency to the Council of Europe (CE) from November 2007 to May 2008 and the Finnish presidency to the OSCE in 2008, considering possible cooperation of both organizations. In this context Minister J. Kubiš informed his partner that the European conference on the education of Roma children will take place in April 2008 in Bratislava. Ambassador confirmed interest of the Finnish chairmanship into the OSCE to participate on this event actively. Mr. J. Kubiš mentionned also activities in relation to the Belorussia as prospective field of their co-operation.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| State Secretary of Slovak MFA Mrs. Diana Štrofová hold talks with Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mongolia (Publikované dňa: 11.10.2007) - State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mrs. Diana Štrofová hold talks with Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mongolia Mr. Tsolmon Tserendash, who is currently visiting countries of Central Europe. Both sides evaluated current state of affairs in bilateral relations between Slovakia and Mongolia and discussed perspectives of their further development, mainly in areas of economic cooperation, investment promotion, culture and education by utilizing potential of above 2500 Mongolian citizens who studied in former Czecho-Slovakia. State Secretary Štrofová expressed readiness to continue official development assistance of the Slovak Republic to Mongolia in areas such as infrastructure development and geological survey. Both sides exchanged views on current international issues and discussed foreign policy priorities of both Slovakia and Mongolia.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš received Spanish Ambassador (Publikované dňa: 16.10.2007) - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Mr. Ján Kubiš received on October 16, 2007 Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Spain to the Slovak Republic, Mr. Miguel Aguirre de Cárcer. During the meeting both sides informed each other on the preparations of forthcoming official visit of the President of the Slovak Republic, Mr. Ivan Gašparovič to Spain. They also reviewed the current Slovak–Spanish relations and perspectives of their further development. The partners also talked about candidatures of both countries for the main posts to the international organizations.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Albanian Ambassador was received by Minister J. Kubiš (Publikované dňa: 13.11.2007) - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received today Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the Slovak Republic residing in Prague Mr. Qazim Tepshi. Exchanging views on the current level of relations between Slovakia and Albania both Minister and Ambassador expressed their intention to intesify bilateral cooperation by reciprocal visits of the high representatives of both countries. During the meeting they discussed also the situation in the Western Balkans region including Kosovo issue.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Council of Europe: Meeting of Ministers’ Deputies chaired first time by Slovak representative (Publikované dňa: 13.11.2007) - The 1008th meeting of Ministers’ Deputies which took place on 13 November 2007 was already chaired by its new Chairman, Permanent Representative of the Slovak Republic to the Council of Europe, Ambassador Emil Kuchár. Ministers’ Deputies took note of the report on enforcement of court decisions in Europe prepared by the Research Team on enforcement of court decision (University Nancy) in cooperation with the Swiss Institute of comparative law. The report analyses the efficiency of enforcement mechanisms in Europe and is based on information provided by the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ). In terms of the content and conclusions of the report, the CEPEJ will prepare for the meeting of Ministers’ Deputies proposals for follow-up actions in this area. The issue of execution of national judicial decisions has been included into monitoring theme of the Council of Europe since 2004.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Slovak MFA on situation in Pakistan (Publikované dňa: 05.11.2007) - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic is concerned with the escalation of internal political tensions and a state of emergency proclamation in Pakistan. Simultaneously, it expresses hope that constitutional principles as well as democratisation process will be restored as soon as possible. Furthermore, it appeals to all Pakistani political forces to exercise restraint in order to avoid violence and destabilization of society.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš will attend Euro-Mediterranean meeting (Publikované dňa: 05.11.2007) - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš will attend the Euro-Mediterranean ministerial meeting of Foreign Affairs on November 5 - 6, 2007 in Lisbon. The representatives of 37 countries will review the results of Barcelona process and will discuss the perspectives of euro-mediterranean partnership in the coming period. Ministers of Foreign Affairs will discuss the current regional issues as well.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Ms. Štrofová met the Ambassador of Singapore (Publikované dňa: 26.09.2007) - The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Ms. Diana Štrofová received today Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to the Slovak Republic with residence in Singapore Ms. Jennie Chua. The Singaporean representative handed over the invitation to the upcoming Commemorative Summit EU-ASEAN to take place in Singapore on 22 November, 2007. During further discussions, the quality of bilateral relations was appreciated and the interest in the continuation of their development, with special emphasis paid to strengthen the cooperation in the area of trade and economy, was underlined.
Tlačový a komunikačný odbor Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3621
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3638 (3639)
E-mail: tlac@foreign.gov.sk |
| UN Security Council extended the mandate of NATO forces in Afghanistan (Publikované dňa: 21.09.2007) - On September 19, 1997 the UN Security Council adopted its resolution No. 1776 (2007), which extended mandate and activities of NATO forces in Afghanistan (ISAF) for one more year. Besides updates in the text of the resolution dealing with the present situation, a new element was introduced in the form of maritime interdiction component aimed to deal with narcotics trafficking and smuggling carried out by the Taliban. The resolution was approved by 14 votes in favour, including that of the Slovak Republic. The Russian Federation abstained in the vote since its compromise proposal text for the maritime component was not accepted. Russia also objected to insufficient time available for the continuing of negotiations on the text of the resolution.
Tlačový a komunikačný odbor Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3621
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3638 (3639)
E-mail: tlac@foreign.gov.sk |
| Mr. J. Kubiš Will Pay a Working Visit to Kingdom of Norway (Publikované dňa: 19.09.2007) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš will pay a working visit to the Kingdom of Norway from September 20 to September 21, 2007. The talks with his Norwegian counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Jonas Gahr Store will primarily focus on the evaluation of current bilateral relations between both countries, exchange of countries` experience in the field of official development aid and the performing Norway´ s financial support for the new EU member states to reduce economic and social disparities. Ministers will as well discuss the situation in the Western Balkans, the Middle East and the matters within the United Nations framework, where Slovakia is the UN Security Council non-permanent member.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš on Visit to Kingdom of Netherlands (Publikované dňa: 12.09.2007) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Mr. Ján Kubiš, will pay a working visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands on September 13 - 14, 2007 on the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Mr. Maxim Verhagen. The visit will be a follow-up of a dialog established between both partners during the successful state visit of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands to the Slovak Republic in May 2007. As acknowledgement of the high level of the Slovak-Netherlands relations Minister Kubiš will be received by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix in her private residency Huis ten Bosch.
Besides the bilateral discussions with the Netherlands counter-part Minister Kubiš will meet with the Netherlands Minister for European Affairs, Mr. Frans Timmerman as well as with members of the House of Representatives. The main topics of the discussions will be the further development of bilateral relations, cooperation between both countries within international organisations and current foreign-policy issues.
During the visit Minister Kubiš will also meet with the High representatives of the international organisations residing in Haag – the new High Commissioner of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Mr. Knut Vollebaek, the Director General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Mr. Rogelio Pfirter and with the judge of the International Court of Justice, Mr. Peter Tomko.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Presentation of Copy of Credential Letters (Publikované dňa: 06.09.2007) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received today Mr. Danko Prokič, Ambassador Designate of the Republic of Serbia to the Slovak Republic who presented the copy of his credential letters. Both sides appreciated a high level of mutual relations on political level and exchanged their views on posibilities of further development of relations in the field of economic cooperation as well as in the spheres of education, science and culture. Furthermore, both sides discussed the exchange of high level visits in the incoming period.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Inaugural Visit of Indian Ambassador (Publikované dňa: 10.09.2007) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received today the Ambassador Designate of the Republic of India to the Slovak Republic Ms. Homai Saha in connection with her accession to the function. Both sides exchanged their views on the trends of development of bilateral relations, particularly in the economic realms, but also in the sphere of education, science and culture. Furthermore, both sides reaffirmed their interest in mutual exchange of high level visits.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Presentation of Copy of Credential Letters (Publikované dňa: 10.09.2007) - On the occasion of the presentation of a copy of credential letters the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received the Ambassador Designate of the Arab Republic of Egypt Mr. Hasan Hanafy M. El-Laithy. Minister J. Kubiš appreciated the decision of Egyptian government to appoint first Ambassador of Egypt in Slovakia residing in Bratislava. Both sides have confirmed the interest to strengthen bilateral relations and realize the visit of Egyptian Foreign Minister Mr. Abu Gheit to Slovakia. Ministers have as well exchanged the views on the current situation in the Middle East region.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Slovak MFA Welcomes EP Resolution on Burma/Myanmar (Publikované dňa: 10.09.2007) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic welcomes the European Parliament resolution on Burma/Myanmar adopted on 6 September, 2007, and it will support all initiatives to discuss the current situation in this country at the UN Security Council.
Slovak MFA condemns arrests of activists during the recent peaceful demonstrations in Burma/Myanmar and calls on the military government to release them as well as all political prisoners, including Nobel’s Prize laureate Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, immediately and to initiate a truly all-inclusive nation-wide dialogue. Such dialogue is a prerequisite for the long-awaited political and economic reforms and efficient cooperation with the international community.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Mr. J. Kubiš on visit to Tajikistan (Publikované dňa: 28.08.2007) - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš will pay an official visit to Tajikistan on August 29-31, 2007. During the visit Minister will meet with the President of Tajikistan Mr. E. Rakhmon, the Speaker of the Parliament Mr. S. Khajrulloyev and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan Mr. H. Zarifi. Partners will evaluate the current situation of the mutual relations and perspectives of its development with emphasis on economic dimension. During the visit Ministers will sign the Protocol on Cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Mr. J. Kubiš received Egyptian Ambassador (Publikované dňa: 21.08.2007) - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt Mr. El Sajed Ramzi ez Zeldin Ramzi on the occasion of completion of his diplomatic mission. Minister J. Kubiš thanked outgoing ambassador for his activities and initiatives during his tenure focused on strengthening of bilateral relations, particularly in the area of economic co-operation. Both sides confirmed interest to arrange visit of Egyptian Foreign Minister Mr. Abu Gheit to Slovakia before the end of the year 2007. Minister and Ambassador as well exchanged the views on the current issues concerning the Middle East region and Iranian nuclear program.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš received Iraqi Chargé d´Affaires (Publikované dňa: 17.08.2007) - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received today Chargé d´Affaires of Iraq to the Slovak Republic Mr. Hassan Quassim Hassan Ahmed Al-Sheikh on the occasion of beginning his diplomatic mission. During the meeting they discussed situation in Iraq and possibilities of development of Slovak-Iraqi relations in the economic and military field but as well as in the areas of health, education and agriculture. Minister J. Kubiš assured the partner that the Slovak Republic closely follows the development in Iraq and has interest to assist the Iraqi government through project-oriented cooperation in building up stabile, democratic and prosperous Iraq.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| D. Štrofova payed an official visit to the Republic of Albania (Publikované dňa: 04.07.2007) - On July 4th, 2007, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Ms. Diana Štrofová payed an official visit to the Republic of Albania. During the visit the State Secretary met in bilateral discussions with the Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Ms. Jozefina Topalli, the Minister European Integration Ms. Majlinda Bregu and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania Mr. Anton Gurakuqi. The main topic of the discussions with the Albanian counterparts was the current state of the integration efforts and processes of Albania into European Union and NATO. State Secretary Štrofová offered the Republic of Albania assistance with the preparation of the integration by offering exchange of experiences of Slovak Republic. During the bilateral discussions, the partners also paid a special attention to the issue of the future development in the West Balkan region with the emphasis on the solution of the final status of Kosovo. Albanian counterparts informed Ms. Štrofová about the current political developments in the Republic of Albania in connection with the upcoming presidential elections. Both partners expressed a wish and a need to increase the intensity of economic cooperation.
Tlačový a komunikačný odbor Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3621
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3638 (3639)
E-mail: tlac@foreign.gov.sk |
| A Press Conference by Mr. Lajčák on June 28 at 14,00 CET (Publikované dňa: 25.06.2007) - A Press Conference will be held by Ambassador Miroslav Lajčák at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic (Address: Hlboka cesta 2, Bratislava) on June 28, 2007 at 14,00 CET on his new capacity as the High Representative of the International Community for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Special Representative of the European Union (EUSR) for Bosnia and Herzegovina with effect from 1 July 2007.
Mr. Lajčák was appointed as the international community's High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina in May. The Council took the formal decision this week to appoint Mr. Lajčák as the European Union's Special Representative (EUSR) for Bosnia and Herzegovina, with effect from 1 July. He succeeds Dr Christian Schwarz-Schilling as both High Representative and as the EU Special Representative.
Mr Lajčák is currently Director-General for Political Affairs in the Slovak Foreign Ministry. He acted as mediator and personal representative of Javier Solana in Montenegro last year where he oversaw the Montenegrin referendum on independence.
Ambassador Lajčák will continue to offer the EU's advice and facilitation in the political process; to promote overall EU coordination; to provide the Head of the EU police mission (EUPM) with local political guidance; to provide the EU Force Commander with local political advice; to engage with the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities on their full co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and to provide political advice and facilitation in the process of constitutional reform.
FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
Press and Communication Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic
+421 (0)2 59783621
Tlačový a komunikačný odbor Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3621
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3638 (3639)
E-mail: tlac@foreign.gov.sk |
| Mr. J. Kubiš received Japanese Senior Vice Minister Mr. K. Asano (Publikované dňa: 27.06.2007) - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Japan Mr. Katsuhito Asano who is also chairman of the Japan-Slovak Parliamentary Friendship Group. Minister J. Kubiš expressed his gratitude and appreciation of Mr. Asano’s personal contribution to the development of Slovak-Japanese relations.
The talks focused on the comprehensive development of bilateral relations with emphasis on political dialogue and economic co-operation. During the meeting they expressed the desire to further enhance cooperation between Visegrad Group (V4) and Japan which is materializing Japan’s new pillar in diplomacy, „Arc of Freedom and Prosperity“ and contributes to strengthening of EU-Japan ties. Mr. K. Asano has confirmed the invitation for Minister Kubiš to visit Japan in October 2007.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Speaker of Canadian Senate received by Minister J. Kubiš - President of The Minister of Foreign Affaires of the Slovak Republic Jan Kubiš received the Canadian Senate Delegation led by the Speaker of the Senate Mr. Noël A. Kinsella. During the meeting both sides voiced their interest in further continuation and deepening of the friendly and allied relationships between Slovakia and Canada bilaterally and in the international organizations as well as interest in strengthening of the mutual economic cooperation namely in the energy sector, education and science. Minister J. Kubiš asked the Canadian Senators to solve the visa-duty question for the Slovak citizens traveling to Canada.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk
28.06.2007 |
| Foreign Affairs Ministers of Regional Partenrship and of Serbia in Bratislava - The Foreign Affairs Ministers of Regional Partnership are invited by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš to a meeting to be held in Bratislava on July 3, 2007. The Serbian Foreign Affairs Minister Mr. Vuk Jeremic will join in the second part of the meeting.
The meeting will focus mainly on the support of the Regional Partnership countries to European perspectives of the Western Balkans region, visa - liberalization of their citizens after the Schengen enlargement, strengthening of consular cooperation between the members of Regional Partnership and finally on European neighbourhood policy of the European Union.
Special attention during the common negotiations with the Serbian partner will be dedicated to the European perspectives of Serbia and to reach the fulfilment of the process solving the Kosovo status.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov.sk |
| Mr. J. Kubiš received Indian Ambassador Mr. M. K. Lokesh - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received today H.E. Mr. Myspre Kapanaiah Lokesh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to the Slovak Republic, on the occasion of the completion of his diplomatic mission. During the meeting partners reviewed the current level of bilateral relations and perspectives of their future development. Minister Kubiš appreciated the active involvement and eminent personal contribution of Indian Ambassador in the development of relations between Slovakia and India. On this occasion he awarded Ambassador M. K. Lokesh the Golden Plaque of the Ministry of Foreign Affaires of the Slovak Republic.
State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mrs. Diana Štrofová today also received Ambassador of India.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Telefón: 00421-2 / 5978 3010
Mobil: 00421-918 / 660 040
Fax: 00421-2 / 5978 3019
E-mail: hovorca@foreign.gov
19.06.2007 |
| J. SOLANA welcomes today's appointment of M. LAJČÁK - Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), welcomed the Council's appointment today of Miroslav LAJČÁK as the European Union Special Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina:
"I am delighted that the Council has appointed Miroslav Lajčák as EU Special Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina on the basis of my recommendation. Ambassador Lajčák is a senior diplomat with broad experience in European and Balkan issues, including as my personal representative for the facilitation of the Montenegrin dialogue.
I look forward to working with Ambassador Lajčák, who has my full support, and I wish him every success. I should also like to express my gratitude to the outgoing Special Representative, Christian Schwarz-Schilling, for his dedication and work throughout his mandate."
The Council took the formal decision today to appoint Miroslav Lajčák as the European Union's Special Representative (EUSR) for Bosnia and Herzegovina, with effect from 1 July. Mr Lajčák was appointed as the international community's High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina last month. He succeeds Dr Christian Schwarz-Schilling as both High Representative and as the EU Special Representative. Mr Lajčák, a Slovak diplomat who was born in 1963, is currently Director-General for Political Affairs in the Slovak Foreign Ministry. He acted as mediator and personal representative of Javier SOLANA in Montenegro last year where he oversaw the Montenegrin referendum on independence.
Ambassador Lajčák will continue to offer the EU's advice and facilitation in the political process; to promote overall EU coordination; to provide the Head of the EU police mission (EUPM) with local political guidance; to provide the EU Force Commander with local political advice; to engage with the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities on their full co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and to provide political advice and facilitation in the process of constitutional reform.
FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
Spokesperson of the Secretary General, High Representative for CFSP
_ +32 (0)2 281 6467 / 8239 / 5150 / 5151 _ +32 (0)2 281 5694
18.06.2007 |
| UN Security Council on current situation in Iraq - On June 13, 2007 the UN Security Council held a debate on Iraq during which Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq and Head of UNAMI Ashraf J. Qazi briefed the Council on the Secretary-General’s latest report on the UN Mission in Iraq. After That US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad delivered a report on behalf of the countries making up the Multinational Force (MNF) and Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs Hoshyar Zebari delivered a statement on the current situation in Iraq, followed by statements of the remaining 14 Security Council members.
Full statement of Slovakia is available on the webpage.
Security Council concluded its formal meeting on Iraq with a Press Statement on the arrangements for DFI and IAMB, in which it also condemned in the strongest terms the attack on the holy shrines in the Iraqi city of Samarra.
Hovorca Ministerstva zahraničných vecí SR
Publikované dňa: 15.06.2007 |
| Mr. J.Kubiš will attend 8th meeting of ASEM - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš will attend the 8th ASEM (The Asia-Europe Meeting) Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting to be held in Hamburg, Germany on May 28-29, 2007. The ministers will exchange views on issues such as energy security, environmental protection, world trade and regional development both in Europe and Asia. On this occasion minister Kubiš will host separate Visegrad Group (V4) foreign ministers meeting, V4+Japan foreign ministers meeting and will have bilateral talks with foreign ministers from Asia on the margins of ASEM ministers meeting.
27.05.2007 ww.mzv.sk |
| Mr. J. Kubiš will pay official visit to Cyprus - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš will pay the official visit to the Republic of Cyprus from June 7 to June 10, 2007, at the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus Yiorgos Lillikas.
Minister Kubiš will have bilateral discussions with his Cypriot partner Y. Lillikas and will be received by the President of the Republic of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos and by the President of the House of Representatives Mr. Demetris Christofias. The main topics of the discussions with Cypriot partners will be the bilateral relations between Slovakia and Cyprus, „the Cyprus question“ as well as current European and international issues.
There will be also a meeting with the High Representatives of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) including a short guided tour in the buffer zone. Minister Kubiš will be acquainted with the operational conditions of the Slovak Contingent in the UNFICYP in Cyprus.
Minister Ján Kubiš will meet leaders of the Cypriot political parties from the northern and the southern part of the divided island at their bi-communal meeting at the Ledra Palace Hotel. During the visit Minister Kubiš will give an interview to the Cypriot newspaper Phileleftheros.
06.06.2007 www.mzv.sk
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| V4 plus Japan Foreign Ministers Meeting Press Statement - 1. The Foreign Ministers Meeting of V4+Japan was held on May 28 2007 in Hamburg, Germany. The meeting was attended by Mr. Taro Aso, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Karel Schwarzenberg, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Mrs. Kinga Göncz, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Hungary, Mrs. Anna Fotyga, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland upon the invitation of Mr. Ján Kubiš, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic in his capacity as a current Chairman of Visegrad Group.
2. Ministers expressed their desire to further enhance cooperation between V4 Group and Japan which will contribute to further strengthening of Japan – EU relations as well as materializing Japan’s new pillar in diplomacy “Arc of Freedom and Prosperity”.
3. Based on common recognition that V4+Japan cooperation has been successfully in progress, achieving its objectives to strengthen relations as partners sharing common values such as democracy, respect for human rights, the rule of law and market economies, Ministers discussed the following themes.
Review of V4 + Japan cooperation
4. Ministers reviewed with satisfaction achievements of V4 plus Japan cooperation in various areas reported below and reaffirmed the significance of such cooperation as being in line with EU-Japan cooperation.
Regional and International Issues
· V4+Japan Foreign Ministerial Meeting in Brussels in 2005
· Foreign Ministries´ Political Consultations between V4 countries and Japan in Bratislava in March 2004 and in April 2007
· Workshop „Enlargement of the European Union and Security Policies of Visegrad 4 countries“ organized by the Government of Japan in Tokyo in March 2004
Trade and Investment
· Seminar on Investment promotion in the South-eastern Europe and V4 Countries organized by Government of Japan in Tokyo in March 2007
Tourism
· V4 Japanese Study Tour organized by the Governments of V4 countries in July 2006
· Joint participation of V4 countries in the World Tourism Congress held in Tokyo in September 2006
· Workshop and Lectures on the Promotion of Tourism organized by the Government of Japan in Tokyo in December 2006
· Increase in number of charter flights from Japan to V4 countries.
The Future V4 + Japan cooperation
5. Ministers expressed their willingness to hold meetings on biennial basis using the occasion of multilateral fora such as ASEM FMM or UN GA in order to strengthen political dialogue and to review achievements of V4+Japan cooperation in priority areas. In order to facilitate Ministerial Meetings Political/Territorial Directors meetings and thematic meetings on the directorial or expert level are encouraged to be held annually.
6. Ministers also expressed their willingness to further deepen the mutual understanding on the respective official development assistance policies and to promote the cooperation in this area. The Japanese party proposed to organize a workshop on development assistance for officials of V4 countries and V4 countries expressed their support for the workshop. Furthermore, V4 interest to promote cooperation with Japan in Central Asia, Western Balkans, Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus was noted.
7. Japan and V4 confirmed their commitment to further promote trade and investment cooperation. Ministers agreed to further explore possibilities for support of small and medium enterprises by utilizing potential of existing EU-Japan business promotion schemes. Following the successful investment seminar in March 2007 V4 ministers expressed strong interest to follow-up with business seminars in order to attract Japanese investment with added value (in ICT, electronics, robotics, biotechnologies, nanotechnologies) and to increase cooperation in areas of basic and applied science disciplines and innovation approaches.
Exchange of views on various regional and international issues
8. Ministers held frank and open exchange of views on various current regional and international developments and underlined the importance of strengthening dialogue between V4 countries and Japan in this regard.
9. In a world of global challenges the security and prosperity in every corner of the world increasingly depend on an effective multilateral system. Ministers reiterated their support for fair and rule-based international system with the United Nations in its core and the United Nations Charter as a fundamental framework for international relations. Strengthening the United Nations and equipping it to fulfil its responsibilities is considered as a common priority. Ministers reaffirmed their continuing support to ongoing reform process of the UN, notably the reform of the Security Council. In this context, V4 Ministers expressed their support to Japan’s well-founded aspiration to become a permanent member of the Security Council.”
10. Acknowledging shared interests and joint responsibilities in the field of environment protection and energy security, Ministers encouraged closer cooperation on climate change, sustainable energy and multilateral approach to establishing of stable, effective and transparent global energy markets complementing efforts at the other multilateral fora. They further stressed the need for an active participation in the post-Kyoto “Montreal process” and further decisions aimed at promoting a more effective implementation of the United Nation’s Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol paving the ground for the negotiations on a global and comprehensive post-2012 climate regime.
11. Ministers stressed the strong need for a peaceful solution of DPRK’s nuclear issue and reaffirmed that denuclearisation of Korean Peninsula remains an international priority. They encouraged all parties concerned especially the DPRK to work towards full implementation of the 19 September 2005 Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks as well as the agreement reached on 13 February 2007. They also emphasized the importance of steadily implementing UNSCRs 1695 and 1718. They expressed hope that progress will be made in the talks between Japan and the DPRK on bilateral issues and stressed the importance of resolving the abduction issue as early as possible. V4 Ministers reiterated their continued support for the resolution of this issue.
12. Ministers reaffirmed long-term commitment of their respective countries to assist Afghanistan to bring peace, stability and prosperity to the country including reduction of drugs-related illegal activities within the framework of the Afghanistan Compact in order to help people of Afghanistan in their justified aspirations to achieve peaceful and prosperous life.
13. Sharing the similar objectives in Central Asia - support of independence status, democratic and pro-reform developments of countries in the region, Ministers confirmed the existence of common ground for broader cooperation in Central Asia and discussed the overall situation in the region. V4 ministers informed the Japanese side about the currently drafted EU Strategy on Central Asia.
Public day :28.05.2007 |
| Slovak MFA welcomes nomination of Mr. M. Lajčák to the position of the High Representative of the International Community to the Bosnia and Herzegovina - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic welcomes today’s decision of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council in the Bosnia and Herzegovina to endorse the nomination of the ambassador Miroslav Lajčák to the position of the High Representative of the International Community to the Bosnia and Herzegovina. High Representative serves at the same time as a Special Representative of the European Union in the Bosnia and Herzegovina. M. Lajčák shall assume his duty on July 1, 2007, from current High Representative Mr. Christian Schwarz-Schilling, whose mandate ends on June 30, 2007.
The post of the High Representative have been established on the basis of the Dayton Peace Agreement (1995), which led to the end of the war in Bosnia, bloodiest of the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia. Duty of the High Representative is especially to follow the implementation of the peace agreement and to co-ordinate the activities of the international organizations in the Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In international circles Amb. Lajčák is known as an expert on the Balkans. During the period 1999-2001 he served as special assistant of the Special Envoy of the UN SG for the Balkans and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Eduard Kukan. Between 2001 and 2005 he was appointed as the ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Serbia and Montenegro, Macedonia and Albania. As the personal representative of the High Representative for EU Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana for the referendum in Montenegro between 2005-2006 he facilitated the agreement that allowed for peaceful organization of the plebiscite on the relations between Serbia and Montenegro. At present Miroslav Lajčák serves as the Political Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic. Within his portfolio at the MFA he is responsible for the relations between Slovakia and the Balkans, Common Foreign and Security Policy as well as the Euro Atlantic affairs.
Endorsement of the nomination of Ambassador Lajčák to the position of the High Representative of the International Community for the Bosnia and Herzegovina repeatedly acknowledges that the Slovak foreign policy and diplomacy are internationally perceived as competent and able to constructively participate on resolution of the problems of the major European significance.
Publikované dňa: 11.05.2007 www.mzv.sk |
| J. Kubiš received Ambassador of the Kigdom of Netherlands - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Ján Kubiš received today Mr. Rob Swartbol, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Slovak Republic.
The main topic of the meeting was the preparation of the forthcoming state visit of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands to the Slovak Republic.
Both representative also briefly discussed the current relations and cooperation between Slovakia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
15.05.2007 www.mzv.sk |
| Interministerial Slovak-Austrian consultations - Today on the occasion of interministerial Slovak-Austrian consultations the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received the Secretary General of the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria Mr. Johannes Kyrle. Earlier he negotiated with both State Secretaries of the Slovak MFA Mrs. Oľga Algayerová and Mrs. Diana Štrofová and also met Secretary General of the Ministry Mr. Marcel Peško.
The topic of their discussion were above all the questions of our bilateral relations. In the framework of the European Union, situation in Western Balkans and issues of regional cooperation and Schengen Area were on the agenda. All representatives appraised the rising political dialogue on the supreme rank and the economic cooperation in bilateral terms.
07.03.2007.www.mzv.sk |
| Mr. J. Kubiš on working visit to BiH - On March 25-26, 2007 the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš will pay his first working visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). At the same time it is the first visit of minister of Foreign Affairs of the EU and the NATO member state after new BiH government formation. In Sarajevo Minister Kubiš will meet the highest representatives of BiH like the President of the Presidency of BiH Mr. Nebojša Radmanovič and the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the BiH Mr. Nikola Špirič. He will held talks with his counterpart Mr. Sven Alkalaj about development of bilateral relations with emphases on economic cooperation.
25.03.2007 www.mzv.sk |
| Mr. J. Kubiš received Norwegian State Secretary Mrs. L. M. B. Stubholt - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received today the State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway Mrs. Liv Monica B. Stubholt on the occasion of her working visit in Slovakia dedicated to the participation on seminar of non-governmental organizations in the framework of Norvegian and EEA financial mechanism.
Both representatives discussed various issues of bilateral relations and praised the deepening of dialogue and cooperation in the economic area. Minister Kubiš and State Secretary Stubholt also exchanged their views on relevant issues of international life.
27.03.2007 www.mzv.sk |
| Slovak-Belorussian consultations - The consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic and Republic of Belarus on the level of the Director General for Political Affairs Mr. Miroslav Lajčák and Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Belarus Mr. Valery Voronetsky were held today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic. The working lunch served by State Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mrs. Diana Štrofová and the short meeting with the Slovak Foreign Minister Mr. Ján Kubiš were parts of the consultations.
During all the meetings Slovak side expressed the views of the Slovak Republic and EU concerning the possibilities and obstacles of the development of cooperation with Belarus. According the Ministry of Foreign affairs of the Slovak Republic, the respect for human rights and basic freedoms, the fulfillment of EU democratization requirements is fundamental base for development of cooperation of EU as well as Slovakia, with Belarus.
28.03.2007 www.mzv.sk |
| Minister J. Kubiš received Prof. Shlomo Breznitz - The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš met on March 29, 2007 Prof. Shlomo Breznitz the Chairman of the Israeli-Slovak Friendship Committee of the Israeli Parliament – Knesset. With the reference to the recent official visit of the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Mr. Robert Fico they exchanged views on current level of the Slovak-Israeli bilateral relations and perspectives of their future development.
During the discussion they have reviewed the recent developments in the Middle East in context of the present membership of the Slovak Republic in the United Nations Security Council. Minster J. Kubiš confirmed the stand-point of the Slovak Republic to the newly created Palestinian Government of the National Unity and to the issue of Iran’s nuclear program. Invited by the Chairman of the Slovak National Council Mr. Pavol Paška, Prof. Sh. Breznitz is on official visit to Slovakia.
www.mzv.sk 29.03.2007 |
| Intervention by the Permanent Representative of Slovakia, Ambassador Peter Burian to the UNSC consultation on Kosovo status, Apr 3, 2007 - Mr. President, Allow me to join previous speakers in thanking Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Kosovo status, Mr. Ahtisaari for his comprehensive and valuable briefing. I would like also to express our appreciation to Mr. Kostunica, Prime Minister of Serbia as well as Mr. Sejdiu, president of Kosovo for their interventions delivered in the Chamber this morning.
Needless to say that for Slovakia the peace and stability in the Balkans remains the quintessence of the status exercise. Slovakia being also the member of the EU and NATO would like to reiterate its firm dedication to strive for a sustainable and long-lasting settlement of the Kosovo status. We believe that such solution of the status of Kosovo should have a potential to contribute to the strengthening of stability, prosperity, international and regional security, and to the fulfilment of the European integration objective for all countries throughout the region. Slovakia together with other European members supported the common position of the EU reached on the ministerial level at the General Council in February 2007. We share the view expressed by the German Presidency of the EU that with the submission of the proposal to the Security Council the future status process for Kosovo now enters the decisive phase. In this respect I would like to reiterate full support of my country for efforts of the Special Envoy Mr. Ahtisaari. Slovakia takes due note of his proposal and recommendations. I would like to also acknowledge with appreciation the clarity of position of the Secretary General when he transmitted the proposal and recommendations to the Security Council.
04.04.2007 www.mzv.sk |
| Mr. J. Kubiš received Secretary of Hong Kong Mr. S. Ip - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Ján Kubiš received today Mr. Stephen Ip, Secretary for Economic Development and Labour of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, who is heading the economic mission of Hong Kong in Slovakia. During the meeting they discussed perspectives of further development of economic cooperation, promotion of investment and exchange in tourism. Both sides confirmed their interest to finalize Air Services Agreement between Slovak Republic and Hong Kong which will significantly contribute to the development of economic and trade cooperation.
24.04.2007 www.mzv.sk |
| Mrs. D. Štrofová at Informal Meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers, Oslo, Norway - From 26 to 27 April 2007, Oslo (Norway) hosted an Informal Meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Foreign Ministers. Slovak Republic was represented by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Mrs. Diana Štrofová.
At the meeting participants evaluated the situation in Afghanistan and Kosovo and confirmed further engagement of the Alliance in those countries. In this respect, they emphasized the necessity of cooperation with international community and organizations, especially the European Union, with regard to stabilization and further development of both regions. The participants agreed on the necessity of further expansion of civilian efforts in Afghanistan.
D. Štrofová pointed out the need to adopt a resolution in the Security Council of the United Nations as an essential basis for a solution of the status of Kosovo. She also spoke in favor of clear European and NATO perspective for Serbia. In regard to Afghanistan, D. Štrofová voiced Slovakia’s support for the use of military and civilian efforts and instruments in reconstruction and stabilization of Afghanistan.
In addition, with reference to the U.S. plans of placing missile defense systems in the Czech republic and Poland, NATO member states expressed their intention to continue cooperation in missile defense. They emphasized the complementarity of both systems. In this regard, D. Štrofová expressed Slovakia’s support to NATO missile defense and the separate US activities as means of increasing the security of the alliance members. Slovakia is not of the opinion that these activities could be viewed as posing a security threat to Russia.
Oslo also hosted a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council and a separate meeting with the Foreign Minister of Ukraine.
During the meeting with the Foreign Minister of Russia, S. Lavrov, the alliance members expressed deep concerns over the announcement of the President V. Putin to suspend Russia’s adhesion to the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE).
In regard to the Russia’s objections against placement of American missile defense system in Europe, NATO member states expressed their support to assurances of the Secretary of State of the United States, C. Rice, that the main purpose of these measures is the protection of the allies against new threats and do not pose any security threat to Russia.
In regard to the meeting NATO-Ukraine, the State Secretary of the Slovak Foreign Ministry emphasized readiness of Slovakia and Alliance to assist with the reforms in Ukraine, and to further expand cooperation and a dialogue at all levels.
Member states also discussed further enlargement of the Alliance.
www.mzv.sk |
| Exhibition in Kansas City depicts tragic fate of Slovak Jews - On April 15, 2007, the opening of the exhibition „Tragedy of Slovak Jews“ took place at the Jewish Community Center of the Greater Kansas City. The exhibition, which is organized by the Honorary Consul of Slovakia in Kansas Ross Marine in cooperation with the Czech and Slovak National Museum and Library in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, depicts the tragic fate of the Slovak Jews during the World War II. It will be on display until June 1, 2007. The opening of the exhibition coincided with the Holocaust Remembrance Day and took place as a side event of the commemorative solemn ceremony with the participation of numerous members of the Jewish community and representatives of the city of Kansas.
18.04.2007 |
| Mr. J. Kubiš received ambassadors of countries of GUAM - Today the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received Ambassadors Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary of the countries of regional group GUAM accredited in Slovakia – Ambassador of Ukraine Mrs. I. Ohnivets, Ambassador of Georgia Mr. N. Nikolozishvili, Ambassador of Azerbaijan Mr. F. Ismayilov and Ambassador of Moldova Mr. V. Postolachi. During the meeting the frozen conflicts in the GUAM area were discussed. Ambassadors of the countries of this group informed Minister Kubiš with the draft of Joint Declaration on the issue of frozen conflicts settlement which will be submitted to the 61st session of the UN General-Assembly. The participants discussed also the possibilities of development of the cooperation between GUAM and the Visegrad group.
02.02.2007 |
| US-Slovak Briefings on Visa Issues - The delegation of the Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior led by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mrs. Diana Štrofová yesterday on February 27, 2007 held the next series of discussions and briefings with the representatives of the US administration on the visa related issues. The briefings at the Department of Homeland Security were focused on the proposed changes of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and new security measures, which would allow inclusion of the new countries, including Slovakia, into the program. Special attention was given to the sharing of information on lost and stolen passports, biometrics and border control.
State Secretary Štrofová had a working lunch with Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Mr. Kurt Volker of the US State Department. Beside the details of US VWP the partners discussed the issues of recent developments in the region of Near and Middle East with particular focus on situation in Iraq and Iranian nuclear program, perspectives of euroatlantic integration for Western Balkans countries and the activities of Embassy of Slovakia as the NATO Contact Point Embassy to Ukraine.
28.02.2007 |
| UN SC Open Debate on Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction - Based on the initiative of the Slovak Presidency of the Security Council, on February 23, 2007 the UN Security Council held an open debate on co-operation of the SC with international organizations in the implementation of SC resolutions 1540 (2004) and 1673 (2006). The meeting was chaired by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Slovakia, Mr. Ján Kubiš. In his opening statement he noted that the basic underlying motivation for organizing the open debate was to create an opportunity for UN Member States and relevant invited organizations to share experience and lessons learned in the areas covered by resolutions 1540 and 1673.
Addressing the meeting were Mr. Rogelio Pfirter, Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Mr. Gustavo Zlauvinen, Representative of the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to the UN and Mr. Michael Schmitz from the World Customs Organisation (WCO). They concentrated on ways to strengthen co-operation between their organizations and the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540, which deals with non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The Committee is currently chaired by Ambassador Peter Burian, Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the UN.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs Mr. Nobuaki Tanaka in his remarks in the meeting said that, while the dangers from the global proliferation or terrorist acquisition of weapons of mass destruction are now widely recognized, much work remains to be done to reduce such threats.
In addition to the SC members, 17 other UN Member States took the floor to express their views on implementation of resolution 1540, the need for providing technical assistance in the process of implementation of its provisions, strengthening co-operation with international, regional and subregional organizations towards this objective. Some countries also offered their views on the ways of strengthening global non-proliferation and disarmament regimes.
In its national statement, presented by ambassador Mr. Burian, Slovakia emphasised importance it attaches to the need for a comprehensive and systematic approach to the implementation of all aspects and requirements of resolution 1540. Slovakia also noted that such an approach can provide for an adequate system of protection and prevention of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction nationally and globally.
At the end of the meeting the SC adopted Presidential Statement reaffirming its determination to promote increased multilateral co-operation, as an important means of enhancing states’ implementation of resolution 1540.
23.02.2007 |
| Repubblica Journalist Seized by Taliban - Abducted near Kandahar. Threats to behead reporter if he is a “spy”. Journalist’s message: “Here I am. I’ve landed at Kandahar. Everything’s OK”. Reporter has not been seen by Emergency NGO or Italian hospital.
KABUL – “Here I am. I’ve landed at Kandahar. Everything’s OK. What are you doing?” Daniele Mastrogiacomo’s last message was reassuring on Sunday afternoon, just before he vanished into thin air, kidnapped by the Taliban. He telephoned colleagues at Herat from the airport runway before looking for a guest house. “I should have arrived yesterday but the Ariana flight was delayed by twenty-four hours.Because of snow. At this point, I’ll just stay in Kandahar and do the article”.
The Repubblica journalist had made his plans. “We have to hear what the situation is from Emergency, at the Italian hospital in Lashkar Gah”.There was a request for Panorama correspondent Giovanni Porzio:“As soon as you get to Kabul, can you find out whether we can stay with them?I’m going to wait here.When you get here, we can move”.The voice on the line fades in and out.“Call me tomorrow and I’ll be able to tell you something about security”. Then he said goodbye:“OK. Speak to you later...”. But we didn’t hear from him again.On Monday afternoon, we tried to phone him three times: on the satphone, on his mobile and on the mobile belonging to his Afghan interpreter, Ajmal. Then we texted him. Nothing. He was supposed to tell us about the situation and whether it was worth going to Kandahar on Wednesday.All we got was his recorded voice mail message.Alarm bells began to ring on Monday night. Phone calls were made to Italy but there was no way of checking at that hour. First thing yesterday morning, we contacted Emergency (“Haven’t seen him”), then the hospital run by Alberto Cairo at Kandahar (“He hasn’t been here”) and finally warned the Italian embassy, which was already in touch with the Italian Foreign Ministry.At lunchtime, the Taliban announcement arrived:“We have arrested a British spy who says he is a journalist”.
We know the names of the two Afghans seized with him, Sayed Agha and Ajmal. Everyone realises that the “Briton” can only be Daniele,who is fair-haired and has “born in Karachi (Pakistan)” on his passport but is Italian. Far from being a spy, he is an outstanding reporter. Daniele is thought to have been stopped an hour and a half’s drive from Kandahar at Nad Ali, Ajmal’s village. It’s not far from the hospital Gino Strada opened at Lashkar Gah and is a sort of watering hole open to everyone on the dangerous steppes of the opium trade.Mastrogiacomo left his hotel in Kandahar on Monday morning, according to the hotel’s owner Amanullah Nusrat. The interpreter, Ajmal, arrived from Kabul with him, phoned a driver, Sayed Agha, and the three then drove off. According to Peacereporter, there were also two Afghan women in the car with them. “I’m off on a big job. I’ve got an important meeting”.
The “big job” Daniele was off to do was a meeting with the Taliban, an interview in the guerrilla war-racked province where President Bush will be making his big push. It was a contact his interpreter had fixed.Ajmal is a man who knows his way around. A clean-shaven ethnic Pashtun, he is about 25 and speaks excellent English, which he studied in Pakistan. He has a list of Taliban commanders memorised on his mobile and is passionate about journalism. His offices are the internet cafés of Kandahar and Lashkar Gah. A few months ago, Ajmal organised interviews with Taliban leaders for Channel 4. His sources are said to be so good that he offered to act as a go-between with the kidnappers for a group of journalists when freelancer Gabriele Torsello was abducted. He caught a bus from Kabul to Lashkar Gah and was arrested at a Taliban road block. After negotiating for three or four hours, during which time he dropped the names of his influential Pashtun friends, Ajmal managed to get himself released.According to a bulletin from the Taliban Islamic Emirate, Mastrogiacomo and the two Afghans are in the custody of Mullah Dadullah, commander of Helmand province and the strategist behind the spring offensive.The men’s camera, telephones and computer have all been taken.Daniele is believed to have been questioned already.
The first misunderstanding – that the kidnapped man is a Briton – has been cleared up.The Talibans played Mastrogiacomo’s recorded voice over the phone to a Peshawar-based Pakistani journalist, Rahimulla Yusuzfai, but interference on the line led to it being mistaken for that of a British reporter, John Nichol, a former RAF pilot who was captured in the 1991 Gulf War. Nichol now writes editorials and is currently at home in Britain.The name apparently came up because Daniele’s mobile phone memory has an entry under “Nicola”, which stands for the head of Repubblica’s foreign desk, Nicola Lombardozzi.
The Talibans have little familiarity with passports and the like: they require all correspondents in their territory to carry a letter of reference issued by an inaccessible Islamic office in Pakistan. At this point, they became threatening.“We’ll see if he is a real journalist”, they said, “but if the three are identified as spies, they will be treated ‘according to Sharia law’”, in other words beheaded.If they want to clear up the point, they can ask anyone.Daniele’s curiosity has always and only been journalistic.
Francesco Battistini
English translation by Giles Watson
www.watson.it
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| Slovak Experts discussed Visa Waiver Program in USA - delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic headed by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mrs. Diana Štrofová begun its two-day working visit to Washington DC. The visit was taking place with the aim to discuss with the representatives of the US administration the issue of the visa regime between USA and Slovakia and consult the security and technical aspects of the legislative proposals, which would enable the participation of new countries, including Slovakia, in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
At first the State Secretary Štrofová had a meeting with the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security P. Rosenzweig. She informed P. Rosenzweig on status of preparation of Slovakia for membership in VWP. The partners also discussed further steps and potential risks for the process of adoption of proposed legislation.
The State Secretary has also met the leading representatives of Friends of Slovakia. She highly appreciated their activities and assistance in efforts aimed at removing the visa duty for the Slovak citizens traveling to the USA. She also discussed the strategy focused on achieving this goal.
At the meeting with the members of the administration, diplomatic corps and compatriots taking place at the Embassy of Slovakia in Washington, DC, she emphasized the high level of relations between Slovakia and the United States and underlined that it is in our mutual interest to provide for further deepening of the cooperation of our countries and their citizens by eliminating the unnecessary barriers.
The Slovak experts attended the briefing at the Dulles International Airport in Washington. The main focus of the visit was put on the demonstration of the immigration and customs clearance procedures of the foreign travelers arriving into the United States. The experts also held technical consultations at the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the US Department of State.
www.mzv.sk
27.02.2007 |
| In New York Mr. J. Kubiš met Mr. Ban Ki-moon - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš on Tuesday February 20, 2007 met with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon. During the meeting the Secretary-General highly appreciated the issue of security sector reform, chosen by the Slovak Presidency in the UNSC.
Then both representatives discused the issue of Kosovo. The Secretary-General told that he would expect the final report from his Special Envoy for Kosovo, Mr. Marrti Ahtisaari in the course of March. After that, he wants to submit it to the UNSC without any delay. In this context the Secretary-General emphasized that it is important to not delay the negotiated solution for the status of Kosovo.
Both stressed that the unity of the European Union and the international community in this matter is extremely important. No common position of the EU can provoke a problem, warned Mr. Ban Ki-moon.
www.mzv.sk |
| UNSC adopted a resolution on Somalia - On February 20, 2007 the UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1744 (2007), which authorized Member States of the African Union (AU) to establish for a period of 6 months a mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Slovakia was among the co-sponsors of the draft resolution, together with the UK, USA, South Africa, Ghana, Congo and Panama).
The resolution 1744, adopted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, allows AMISOM to take ,,all necessary measures” to carry out its mandate. One of the main tasks of the mission is to support dialogue and reconciliation in Somalia by assisting with the free movement and safe passage of persons involved in the all-inclusive political process and the National Reconciliation Congress. AMISOM will be also providing protection to the Transitional Federal Institutions and help them to carry out their functions of government and security for key infrastructure. In addition, AMISOM will also assist with carrying out the National Security and Stabilisation Plan, in particular in the establishment and training of the Somali Security Forces. AMISOM is also supposed to contribute to the creation of the necessary security conditions for the provision of humanitarian assistance.
In order to consolidate stability, peace and reconciliation in Somalia, the SC, in its resolution 1744, particularly stressed the ,,need for broad-based and representative institutions reached through an all inclusive political process“.
20.02.2007
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| Minister J. Kubiš received Ambassador of Republic of Korea - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received today Ambassador Designate of the Republic of Korea to the Slovak Republic Mr. Yong–kyu Park, the first resident Korean Ambassador to Slovakia. During the meeting both sides evaluated high level of bilateral relations and cooperation in international organizations. Growing trend of trade and economic cooperation of both countries with emphasis on the activities of important Korean investors in Slovakia was also appreciated.
Partners welcomed agreement reached at the last round of the Six Party Talks in Beijing that should constitute an important step towards lasting peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.
15.02.2007 www.mzv.sk |
| Mr. J. Kubiš received his Swedish counterpart Mr. C. Bildt - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic J. Kubis received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden C. Bildt at the working dinner on February 6th, 2007. Ministers in their discussion concentrated on the developments in southeastern Europe. Special attention was given to the question of Kosovo and to the developments after the presentation of the proposal of the M. Ahtisaari, UNSG Special Envoy for the Kosovo future status process. Ministers also discussed the development in the EU-Serbia relations, Serbia´s European perspective as well as current situation in other Western Balkans countries.
06.02.2007 www.mzv.sk |
| UNSC adopted a Press Statement on Somalia - On Friday 2 February 2007, the UN Security Council (UNSC) adopted a press statement on the situation in Somalia. The new President of the Security Council, Permanent Representative of Slovakia Ambassador Peter Burian read out the press statement to the journalists.
In its statement, the members of the Security Council welcomed the African’s Union intention to deploy a peace support mission to Somalia (AMISOM) and underlined the urgency of deployment of such a mission in order to help create conditions for the withdrawal of all other foreign forces from Somalia. Members of the Security Council stressed the need for representative institutions and an all-inclusive political process, in order to consolidate stability, peace and reconciliation in the country. In this regard, members of the Security Council welcomed the announced intention of President Yusuf to convene a National Reconciliation Congress and supported this initiative. Members of the UN Security Council also encouraged Members States of the African Union to contribute to a peace support mission and called on the international community to provide assistance. In this connection, members of the Security Council also expressed their intention to review the mandate set out in the SC resolution 1725 (2006). Members of the SC further supported the rapid deployment of a UN technical assessment mission (TAM) with a view to making recommendations to the Security Council on future security needs in Somalia. Members of the Security Council also reiterated their deep concern over the humanitarian situation in the country and urged the international community to continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Somalia.
03.02.2007 www.mzv.sk
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| Ms. D. Štrofová received designated Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey - The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Ms. Diana Štrofová received today designated Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the Slovak Republic Mr. Tunç Ügdül.
During the meeting both sides discussed a wide range of issues regarding cooperation between the Slovakia and Turkey especially in economy, commerce and education. Mr. Tunç Ügdül informed about activities of the Turkish Chamber of Commerce in Slovakia. Both sides exchanged their views on the mutual support for their candidacies in the International organizations and structures.
State Secretary Ms. Diana Štrofová appreciated the progress of Turkey in removing obstacles on its way to EU. Mr. Tunç Ügdül expressed gratitude for support from Slovakia given to Turkey on the road to full European membership.
Partners have discussed also visa issue and its further facilitation.
public day 02.02.2007 www.mzv.sk
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| Mr. J. Kubiš will receive Spanish Minister Mr. M. A. Moratinos - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš will receive on Thursday, February 1, 2007 Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos y Cuyaubé who will pay an official visit to the Slovak Republic.
During their discussion the partners will focus on priorities of the German EU Presidency in the first half of 2007. At the forefront of these are the EU Constitutional Treaty, the EU Energy Policy and preparations for expansion of the Schengen Area. The ministers will touch upon the themes connected with the membership of the Slovak Republic in the UN Security Council and Spanish Chairmanship in the OSCE in 2007. They will also speak about possibilities of further development of the bilateral relations particularly in the economic field.
31.01.2007 |
| Mr. J. Kubiš received Executive Secretary of CTBTO - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš met today with Mr. Tibor Tóth, Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). Ambassador Tóth paid his first official visit to Slovakia in his capacity as Executive Secretary of the CTBTO. During the meeting both partners appreciated the level of mutual cooperation between Slovakia and the Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS) and stressed the need to strengthen the effort of Signatory States and the PTS to achieve an early entry into force of the CTBT. Minister J. Kubiš offered to Executive Secretary Mr. Tóth that Slovak facilities can be used for training activities organized by the PTS.
23.01.2007 |
| Briefing with Diplomats on Slovakia´s Presidency of UNSC - At today´ s briefing with the Diplomatic Corps, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš evaluated the experience of Slovakia at the United Nations Security Council (UN SC) and outlined the main priority areas during Slovakia´s Presidency of the UNSC on February 2007. As Mr. Kubiš emphasized, Slovakia will focus on three main issues during its Presidency: the Security Sector Reform, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the future status of Kosovo. On the Security Sector Reform, the Security Council will hold an open debate on 21st February 2007 chaired by Minister Kubiš with the participation of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as well as other foreign ministers from current members of the Security Council. Under the Slovak Presidency, the Security Council will also pay close attention to all the pressing issues posing threats to international peace and security namely the crisis in Darfur, Somalia, Middle East or the fight against terrorism.
23.01.2007
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| Slovakia chairs UNSC Working Group on Documentation and Procedures - In 2007 Slovakia will chair another important subsidiary body of the UN Security Council - Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Issues. The UNSC decided so on Friday January 19, 2007. The Working Group is tasked to improve the working methods of the Security Council and make them more effective. This issue is currently among the most important ones in the United Nations and is closely followed by all UN Member States as well as the professional circles. Holding of this position is fully in line with Slovakia's principled policy as a non-permanent member of the Security Council in 2006 and 2007 aimed at strengthening transparency and openness in the work of the Security Council and at its comprehensive reform, including the overall improvement of its working methods. Slovakia sees this appointment as acknowledgement of its professional, constructive, responsible and active work in the Security Council in all its aspects, including of its work as member of the Working Group in 2006. As Chair of the Working Group, Slovakia will focus on thorough implementation of the measured adopted during the Japanese Chairmanship in 2006 and on their further widening in key areas of Security Council´s work. On behalf of Slovakia, the position will be held by Ambassador Peter Burian, Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the UN.
As has already been announced, in 2007 Slovakia will hold two other leadership positions in UNSC subsidiary bodies: Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) dealing with the issue of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and co-Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Security Council Mandate Review (together with South Africa). Furthermore, Slovakia will serve as vice-Chair in three Security Council sanctions committees: 1636 (Lebanon), 1591 (Sudan), 751 (Somalia).
22.01.2007 |
| China and Russia veto US/UK-backed Security Council draft resolution on Myanmar - 12 January – China and Russia today vetoed a draft resolution in the Security Council – the first use of multiple vetoes at the Council since 1989 – that had called on Myanmar to release all political prisoners, begin widespread dialogue and end its military attacks and human rights abuses against ethnic minorities.Sponsored by the United States and the United Kingdom, the text received nine votes in favour, the necessary number for a majority. Those in favour were Belgium, France, Ghana, Italy, Panama, Peru, Slovakia, the UK and the US. But the permanent members China and Russia issued vetoes, and South Africa also voted against the resolution. There were three abstentions: Indonesia, Qatar and the Republic of the Congo.
Opponents of the text said that while Myanmar was experiencing clear social and economic problems, the country was not a serious threat to international peace and security and therefore the issue should not be dealt with by the Security Council.
Speaking before the vote, Chinese Ambassador Wang Guangya said the problems in Myanmar were largely the internal affairs of a sovereign State and the Government and other groups should be allowed to continue their efforts towards reconciliation.
Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said the issue would be better handled by other UN organs, particularly the Human Rights Council, the General Assembly and humanitarian agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO).
The ambassadors also said the resolution would hamper diplomatic efforts being carried out through the good offices of the Secretary-General, which included the recent visit to Myanmar by Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Ibrahim Gambari.
After the vote, US Acting Ambassador Alejandro Wolff and UK Ambassador Emyr Jones Parry both expressed deep disappointment, saying the resolution would have sent a much-needed signal from Council members.
Mr. Wolff said Myanmar’s military regime “arbitrarily arrests, tortures, rapes and executes its own people, wages war on minorities within its own borders, and builds itself new cities, while looking the other way as refugee flows increase, narcotics and human trafficking grow, and communicable diseases remain untreated.”
But Myanmar’s Ambassador Kyaw Tint Swe said the draft resolution was based on “patently false” information and, citing UN Development Programme (UNDP) data, said his country was making economic gains. He added that the Council was clearly exceeding its mandate by considering the issue.
The draft text called on Myanmar to release all political prisoners, including the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been under house arrest for 10 of the past 16 years, and to allow the National League for Democracy (NLD) and other political parties to operate freely.
It also demanded an end to human rights violations against the members of ethnic minorities, “including widespread rape and other forms of sexual violence carried out by members of the armed forces.”
Last September the Council agreed to focus on the situation inside Myanmar in a vote taken during a procedural meeting, in which no member’s vote has the power of veto.
The most recent Council veto was used in November, when the US blocked a draft resolution that would have called, among other measures, for the withdrawal of Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip. Sponsored by Qatar, that text followed an Israeli military operation in the town of Beit Hanoun that killed 18 civilians.
The last time multiple vetoes were used was in 1989, when the US, the UK and France blocked a resolution on the situation in Panama. The last time China and Russia both vetoed a resolution was in 1972, and that concerned the Middle East.
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| Mr. J. Kubiš discussed with Czech Deputy MFA - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received today Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Bilateral Relations of the Czech Republic Mr. Tomáš Pojar. Both representatives emphasized very good level of mutual Slovak-Czech relations. T. Pojar appreciated Slovak support in favour of candidature of the Czech Republic for non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council and seat of the Supervisory Agency for Navigation System GALILEO.
The essential topics of the discussion were the bilateral relations and topical questions of the European Union agenda including the future of Kosovo and Constitution Treaty for Europe. During the meeting they expressed common interest in further development of mutual cooperation on bilateral, european and multilateral level.
Publikované dňa: 12.01.2007 |
| Mr. J. Kubiš received Designated Ambassador of France - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Ján Kubiš received today on January 9, 2007 Designated Ambassador of the French Republic to the Slovak Republic Mr. Henry Cuny who has presented to him a copy of the Letter of Credentials. Both representatives appreciated very good level of mutual Slovak-French relations. In the connection Minister J. Kubiš stressed high level of French investments in Slovakia.
During the meeting they expressed interest in the further development of mutual cooperation on bilateral, european and multilateral level. They appreciated importance of the Organization of the United Nations mentioning very intensive Slovak-French dialog within the UN Security Council. Minister Kubiš also highlighted good experience with common activities in peace-making operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan.
9.01.2007 |
| Ambassador of Indonesia on Slovak MFA - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received today January,9 2007 H.E. Mr. Lutfi Rauf, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to the Slovak Republic. During the meeting they exchanged views on perspectives of Slovak-Indonesian relations and on current international agenda. Both sides appreciated positive trends of bilateral cooperation and expressed interest in its further development with emphasis on the economic dimension as well as on the area of culture, science and education. The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mrs. Olga Algayerova also received Indonesian Ambassador.
09.01.2007 |
| Mr. J. Kubiš received chargé d´ affaires of Korea - Minister of Foreign Affaires of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received today Chargé d´ Affaires a.i. of the Republic of Korea to the Slovak Republic Mr. Juheon Jeong on the occasion of completion of his mission. Both sides expressed their satisfaction with very good level of bilateral relations between Slovakia and Korea and examined ways of their further development in the future. During the meeting they discussed perspectives of futher increase of Korean investments in Slovakia and mutual cooperation in international organizations. Minister Kubiš expressed to the first resident Chargé d´ Affaires of the Republic of Korea appreciation for his personal contribution to the development of relations between Slovakia and Korea.
09.01.2007 |
| MFA Is Establishing the Slovak Aid - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic is establishing on January, 1st 2007 the Agency for International Development Cooperation – Slovak Aid. Creation of the Agency is a part of governmental plan to instituonalise system of the Slovak official development assistance. Slovak ambassador Mr. Vladimir Halgas was entrusted by Minister Jan Kubis with administration of the Agency.
Intention to establish the Agency is to improve effectiveness of the assistance provision and to support implementation of the Slovak Republic’s international commitments in the field of official development assistance. |
| UNSC Adopted Resolution on Protection of Journalists - On 23 December 2006 the UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution no 1738 (2006) on protection of journalists, media professionals and associated personnel in armed conflicts. The Council adopted the text of its President based on the original initiative of EU-5 (France, Greece, Denmark, UK and Slovakia) by which it condemned intentional attacks against journalists in situations of armed conflicts, calls upon States to comply fully with the obligations applicable to them under international law related to the protection of civilians in armed conflicts and invites States which have not yet done so to consider becoming parties to the Additional Protocols I and II of 1977 to the Geneva Conventions at the earliest possible date. The UN Secretary-General has been requested to include as a sub-item in his next reports on protection of civilians in armed conflict the issue of the safety and security of journalists, media professionals and associated personnel.
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| UN Security Council Imposed Sanctions on Iran - On 23 December 2006 the UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1737, co-sponsored by E3 countries (France, Germany and the United Kingdom), which imposes sanctions on Iran´s nuclear programme. The resolution focuses on those measures required by the IAEA Board of Governors that must be met by Iran to secure transparency of its nuclear programme exclusively for peaceful purposes.
The resolution was adopted under Article 41 of Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. The UN Security Council sends a clear signal to Iran to refrain from its confrontational tone and to suspend all enrichment and reprocessing activities including research and development.
Resolution refers also to the right to use the nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination and imposes sanctions on those activities, entities and persons which could contribute to the development or research of nuclear weapons or their means of delivery.
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| J. Kubiš received Chinese Ambassador before leaving to China - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Ján Kubiš received today H. E. Huang Zhongpo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Slovak Republic. During the meeting they discussed agenda of the official visit of Minister Kubiš to China, which will take place in December 19 –21, 2006.
Minister Kubiš will hold negotiations with H. E. LI Zhaoxing, Minister of Foreign Affairs the People’s Republic of China and H. E. TANG Jiaxuan, State Counsellor about the perspectives of the further development of bilateral relations mainly in economic cooperation and other areas of mutual interest. The two sides will exchange views on cooperation between the EU and China in the whole range of issues and on current international affairs as members of the UN Security Council.
18.12.2006 |
| J. Kubiš received the Head of the Regional - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Mr. Ján Kubiš, received today the Head of the Regional United Nations High Commisioner Office for Refugees with the seat in Budapest (UNHCR) Mr. Lloyd G. Dakin, on the occasion of the working visit to the countries of the Region.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on possibilities of deepening of cooperation between Slovakia and UNHCR and also the present topics of migration policy of the Slovak Republic.
18.12.2006 |
| Mr. J. Kubiš Received Iranian Parliament Representative Mr. A. Borujerdi - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and National Security Commission of the Parliament of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mr. Alaeddin Borujerdi. In discussion they reviewed degree of bilateral relations that remain undeveloped and behind their possibilities.
Concerning Iran´s nuclear programme Mr. J. Kubiš confirmed earlier Slovak position – basically the Slovak Republic supports possibilities to exploit nuclear energie for peaceful purposes but at the same time it refuses development of capacities and technologies which could undermine the regime of nuclear weapons non-proliferation. Therefore the Slovak Republic supports negotiations for this purpose with Iran but also relevant measures taken by the UNSC while Iran continues to refuse cooperation with international community.
During the meeting Mr. J. Kubiš expressed also deep-going concern with the conference on the Holocaust taking place in Teheran from 11 to 12 of December, 2006. The Slovak Republic categorically denies any efforts casting doubts on the Holocaust.
13.12.2006
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| Mr. J. Kubiš Is Member of Slovak Delegation at European Council - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš will join the official Slovak Delegation headed by the Prime Minister Mr. Robert Fico at the European Council meeting in Brussels from 14 to 15 December 2006.
The priority issues of the negotiations will be the questions on the EU enlargement, matters concerning the area of freedom, security and justice and the discussion on Constitutional Treaty. Besides these topics the European Council will also deal with the energy and innovation policies, climate change and external relations.
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| Mr. J. Kubiš Met Hungarian Ambassador Designate Mr. A. Heizer - Today Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš met the ambassador designate of the Republic of Hungary Mr. Antal Heizer who presented the copies of his credentials according to the diplomatic protocol.
In an open and friendly conversation both sides expressed interest in a pragmatic and constructive cooperation between Slovakia and Hungary. The Minister assessed that the bilateral relations between two countries have improved as compared with a recent past owing to a joint effort of both Slovak and Hungarian sides. Mr. Ján Kubiš has shown interest in the experience of Mr. A. Heizer from his previous activities in the field of national and ethnic minorities in Hungary.
12.11.2006 |
| Mr. J.Kubiš Will Open Roundtable on SSR - Minister of Foreign Affaires of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš will open in New York on December, 8 2006 the 2nd Roundtable focused on Security Sector Reform (SSR). Slovak Permanent Mission to the United Nations organizes this expert´s debate in cooperation with its Canadian partners as an integral part of the preparation for the Slovak Presidency of UN Security Council in February 2007. Its aim is to contribute to the drafting of the UNSC’s document in the form of Presidential Statement. The draft of this document will be presented to the other members of the UN Security Council and submitted for voting during the Slovak Presidency. Slovakia’s ambition is to initiate the process leading to the development of common, comprehensive and coordinated UN approach to SSR.
Minister Ján Kubiš will meet also 19 Permanent Representatives of current and newly elected members of the UNSC at the working lunch. Consequently he will be received by Mr. Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General and its successor Mr. Ban Ki-moon. The topics of the talks will be focused on SSR, Western Balkans with emphasis on Kosovo, Middle East, Darfur, the problem of nuclear non-proliferation regarding Iran and North Korea and large spectrum of questions linked to the UN reform.
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| UNSC condemned abuse of children in armed conflict - On 28 November 2006 the UNSC held an open debate on children and armed conflict.
During the meeting the Council adopted a presidential statement (S/PRST/2006/48) by which strongly condemned the continuing recruitment and use of children in armed conflict, the killing and maiming of children, sexual violence, abductions, denial of humanitarian access to children and attacks against schools and hospitals by parties to armed conflict and reiterated its commitment to address the widespread impact of armed conflict on children and its determination to ensure respect for and continued implementation of its resolutions 1612 (2005) and all of its previous resolutions on children in armed conflict.
Slovak ambassador Mr. Dušan Matulay welcomed the latest Secretary-General report on children and armed conflict and endorsed its recommendations. He emphasised the need for ending impunity of violators, including through the ICC and targeted measures against the parties to conflict which had notoriously disregarded national and international humanitarian law and appeals of the whole International Community for years. Slovakia also called for closer co-operation between the UN Task Foce on children and armed conflict and NGOs active in conflict situations.
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| UNSC on protection of civilians in armed conflicts - On 4 December 2006 the UNSC held an open debate on protection of civilians in armed conflicts. During the discussion after the briefing of Mr. Jan Egeland, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator, on the humanitarian situation in the conflict regions, the majority of delegations confirmed they will to implement the principle R2P through the strengthen protection mandates of the UN peace-keeping missions and they will to fight the impunity of the war crimes. Many delegations, including the delegation of Slovakia, called for universal ratification of the Geneva Conventions and their Optional Protocols. 5 EU members which are also members of the UNSC draw attention also to the situation of journalist working in conflict situations and emphasised the need for strengthening of their protection. H. E. Ambassador Peter Burian, the Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the United Nations, emphasized the need for integration of protection of civilians into the programmes of the security sector reforms and informed about the roundtable organized by Slovakia and Canada in this respect.
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| Mr. Ján Kubiš will pay a working visit to Bern - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Jan Kubis will pay a working visit to the Swiss Confederation on December 1st, 2006. The talks with his counterpart the Federal Councillor for Foreign Affairs M. Calmy-Rey in Bern will primarily deal with the evaluation of current bilateral relations between the Slovak Republic and the Swiss Confederation and exchange of countries´ experience from EU integration and the ways to use Switzerland`s contribution to the reduction of economic and social disparities within the enlarged European Union following the acceptance of the Federal Act on Cooperation with the States of Eastern Europe in a popular vote in Switzerland on November 26, 2006. In addition, ministers will discuss international issues such as the situation in the West Balkans, the Near and the Middle East, and the matters within the UN framework, where Slovakia currently occupies important position of a non-permanent United Nations Security Council member.
This is the first meeting between tle Foreign Minister J. Kubis an the Swiss Federal Coucillor for Foreign Affairs M. Calmy-Rey in continuation of both countries foreign ministers` dialog. The last working meeting at ministerial level between Slovakia and Switzerland took place in Bratislava on November 28, 2005.
30.11.2006
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| Mr. J.Kubiš received Mr. M.R.Ungureanu - The Minister of Foreign Affaires of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received Mr. Mihai Razvan Ungureanu, Minister of Foreign Affaires of the Rumania which will become new member state of the European Union from January 1st, 2007. Mr. M. R. Ungureanu thanked Slovak side for helping Rumania in the process of european integration and declared for the cooperation in the future. They discussed also the principal points of the EU agenda and international relations with special emphasis on problems of the South-East Europe including Kosovo as well as relations with their neighbours and cooperation within groupings like the Visegrad group or the Black Sea Economic Cooperation. They confirmed common interest to go on in cooperation between both Ministries of Foreign Affaires Slovak and Rumanian. Evaluating traditionally good level of relationships and mutual interest to intensify cooperation between Slovakia and Rumania at all fields they put accent on economic cooperation. They also mentionned the opening of labor market of the EU for citizens of Rumania after joining the Union. At the conclusion both ministers signed Agreement between the government of the Slovak Republic and the government of the Rumania on war cementeries. At the same time the Rumanian Minister Mr. Ungureanu and the Slovak Minister of Culture Mr. Marek Maďarič signed Program of the cooperation between the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic and the Ministry of Culture and Church of the Rumania for the period 2006-2007.
30.11.2006
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| D. Štrofová received Portuguese Ambassador - The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Mrs. Diana Štrofová, received on November 30, 2006, H. E. Mr. José Ernst Henzler Vieira Branco, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Portugal to the Slovak Republic.
During the meeting both sides exchanged views on the current Slovak – Portuguese relations and perspectives of further development of mutual cooperation on bilateral level, with the emphasis on economic area and increasing the level of Portugese investments into the Slovak economy.
The talks were focused also on the current EU and NATO agenda: primarily the integration of the new EU member states, including Slovakia, to the Schengen Area; the issue of illegal immigration to the EU from third countries and the prevention of terrorism.
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| Slovak MFA Condemns Assassination of Mr. P.Gemayel - Ministry of Foreign Affaires of the Slovak Republic is shocked by the assassination of Lebanon Industry Minister Mr. Pierre Gemayel. Expressing its fears about further peace process in Lebanon the Ministry strongly condemns this act of terrorism that threatens with new escalation of political tension. The Slovak Republic supports legally elected government of Prime Minister Mr. Fouad Siniora in its efforts to achieve stability in Lebanon without outside interference.
In regards to the situation of unstability in the country the Ministry recommends that Slovak citizens eschew to travel to Lebanon
21.11.2006 |
| J. Kubis received ambassador of Bielarus - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received today Mr. Valery Voronetsky, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to the Slovak Republic, on the occasion of the accomplishing his diplomatic mission in the Slovak Republic. In open exchange of views they also discussed the level of EU - Belarus relations, reasons that limit them on the present and also conditions of the EU for surmounting this stage. Both partners reviewed the current conditions of bilateral relations and confirmed interest for their further development where it is possible with the emphasis on economic and cultural relations.
14.11.2006 |
| Mrs. D. Štrofová received Chargé d´Affaires of Turkey - The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mrs. Diana Štrofová recieved today, Charge d´Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey to the Slovak Republic, Mr. Can Önder. Bilateral relations, issues of european integration as well as current state of discussion on the solution for Cyprus were among the topics discussed during the talks.
The State Secretary was also exploring the possibilities for further development of relations in the field of trade and economy, especially trough the implementation of the activities that support strengthening of direct contacts between the business entities.
Both sides also expressed joint interest in the development of more intensive cooperation in the fields of culture, science and education.
03.11.2006 |
| Mrs. O. Algayerová received the Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria - The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mrs. Oľga Algayerová received on October 10, 2006 Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Slovak Republic, Mr. Ognian Garkov. The Ambassador of Bulgaria presented the current situation of the Republic of Bulgaria as an EU acceding state from January 1, 2007. Both partners praised good bilateral relations between both countries and expressed the interest to intensify cooperation in all fields, especially in the economic area. The State Secretary Mrs. Oľga Algayerová confirmed the continuing support of Slovakia towards accession of Bulgaria to the EU and readiness of the Slovak Republic to transfer it ´s experiences from the integration process also after the admission of Bulgaria to the EU.
Publikované dňa: 10.10.2006 |
| O. Algayerová recieved the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland - The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Mrs. Oľga Algayerová, received on October 9, 2006 the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Poland to the Slovak Republic, Mr. Zenon Kosiniak – Kamysz.
The main subject of talks of both representatives was deepening of bilateral relations between Slovakia and Poland in the context of the official visit of the Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to Poland on October 5, 2006. The Ambassador and the State Secretary also emphasised the need to widen cooperation in the economic area, cooperation on the level of regions and cross-border cooperation.
09.10.2006 |
| Mr. J. Kubiš received Ambassador of the Palestine - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received on September 12, 2006 Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary of the Palestine to the Slovak Republic residing in Bratislava, Mr. Hafez Fathi Al – Nimer.
Diplomats evaluated current level of Slovak-Palestinian relations and considered perspectives of further enforcement of the cooperation. Palestinian Ambassador thanked for slovak contribution in Israeli -Palestinian peace process.
Partners also discussed the current political development in the Palestinian Autonomous Authority. They expressed their satisfaction over an agreement to start negotiations on creation of the Government of National Unity.
In the same day the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mrs. Diana Štrofová received the Palestinian Ambassador |
| Mrs. O. Algayerová received Ambassador-designate of Azerbaijan . - The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mrs. Oľga Algayerová received on September 11, 2006 Mr. Fuad Ismayilov, Ambassador-designate of Azerbaijan to the Slovak Republic with the residence in Vienna, on the occasion of presenting the copies of credentials of the Ambassador.
During the meeting partners reviewed the current level of relations between Slovakia and Azerbaijan and outlined perspectives for their further development. The partners agreed about the necessity to deepen bilateral contacts between both countries on all levels, in particular economic level.
Publikované dňa: 11.09.2006 |
| Mrs. D. Štrofová received Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria. - The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mrs. Diana Štrofová received on August 28, 2006 Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Slovak Republic, Mr. Ognian Garkov. The Ambassador of Bulgaria presented the current developments in the integration process of his country into the European Union. The State Secretary Mrs. Diana Štrofová confirmed the continual Slovak support for Bulgarian accession into the EU by January 1, 2007. Both partners reviewed the traditionally good bilateral cooperation between Slovakia and Bulgaria and expressed the interest for its intensification in all fields of bilateral relations. The State Secretary presented the main focus of foreign policy of the Slovak Republic for the next years with the emphasis on the economisation and centralisation of the Foreign Service.
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| Mr. J. Kubiš received Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China. - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Ján Kubiš received today H. E. Mr. Huang Zhongpo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Slovak Republic. During the meeting they discussed current state of affairs in bilateral relations that according to both sides are very good and perspective. They also discussed further development of economic cooperation and other areas of mutual interest. The two sides exchanged views on cooperation between the EU and China in the whole range of issues and on current international affairs as members of the UN Security Council.
25.08.2006 |
| Mr. J. Kubiš received Ambassador the Kingdom of the Netherlands. - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Ján Kubiš received on August 25, 2006 H.E. Mr. Rob Swartbol, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Slovak Republic, on the occasion of the beginning of his diplomatic mission.
Both representatives appreciated very good level of mutual relations with especially in the economic area. They exchanged views on possibilities for further development of mutual cooperation on bilateral, european and multilateral level. |
| D. Štrofova at the extraordinary GAERC meeting in. - State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mrs. Diana Štrofová will represent Slovakia at the extraordinary meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, which will be held in Brussels on 25 August 2006 at the attendance of the Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan.
The discussion will focus on the EU Member States´ contributions to UNIFIL and conditions needed to make the operation successful. |
| Mr. J. Kubiš received special envoy of Prime minister of India and Under Secretary General for Communication and Public Information . - On 24. 8. 2006, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received ambassador Vinod Kumar Grover, special envoy of Prime minister of India Manmohan Singh and Mr. Shashi Tharoor, Under Secretary General for Communication and Public Information, candidate proposed by India for the post of the UN Secretary General. During the meeting Mr. Tharoor presented his candidature and his ideas about the role of the upcoming Secretary General.
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| Mr. J. Kubiš received Ambassador of the Syrian Arab Republic. - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš received on August 24th, 2006 Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary of the Syrian Arab Republic to the Slovak Republic residing in Vienna, H. E. Safouan Ghanem, on the occasion of the completion of his mission.
During the meeting the two diplomats exchanged views on current level of the Slovak – Syrian relations and possibilities of their further development for the future. Partners also exchanged views about recent development in the Middle East region. |
| Mrs. D. Strofova received the Honorary Consul-General of the Slovak Republic in Cyprus - The State secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Diana Strofova received on August 22, 2006 the Honorary Consul-General of the Slovak Republic in Cyprus Vasoss Hadjitheodosiou. The both sides expressed their interest in development and deepening the economic ties with focus on tourism and industry.
The State secretary appreciated the active involvement and eminent personal contribution of Vasoss Hadjitheodosiou to the development of relations between Slovakia and Cyprus. On this occasion she conferred upon the Honorary Consul-General Hadjotheodosiou the Golden Medal of the Ministry of Foreign Affaires.
22.08.2006 |
| Mrs. Diana Štrofová received Ambassador of Georgia . - The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mrs. Diana Štrofová received on August 18, 2006 Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary of Georgia to the Slovak Republic, Mr. Nikoloz Nikolozishvili. The Ambassador presented the copies of his credentials to the State Secretary. During the meeting both partners reviewed the current conditions and perspectives for further development of bilateral relations with the emphasis on economic and trade relations.
The State Secretary Mrs. Diana Štrofová believes that the decision of Georgia to open the Embassy in Bratislava will considerably contribute to the development of mutual relations on all levels.
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| Mrs. D. Štrofová received Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic to the Kyrgyz Republic . - The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mrs. Diana Štrofová received on August 18, 2006 Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic to the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr. Igor Gusarov. The Honorary Consul handed the personal letter of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Mr. Alikbek Dzekshenkulov to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Kubiš over to the State Secretary.
During the meeting the State Secretary D. Štrofová thanked I. Gusarov for his active commitment on the post of the Honorary Consul and expressed the hope that our further relations would develop especially with emphasis on economic and trade relations. |
| The Slovak Republic -The Presidency in the Conference on Disarmament. - Slovakia will assume the Presidency in Geneva-based Conference on Disarmament on August 21, 2006 to finish this year’s period of six consecutive Presidencies. Owing to its originality in comparison with previous years, this initiative of Poland, the Republic of Korea, Romania, the Russian Federation, Senegal and Slovakia has been acknowledged as the P6. It has been aimed at contributing to the revitalization of the Conference on Disarmament and at facilitating the commencement of substantive negotiations on the most pressing disarmament issues. Being the last to preside over this single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum of the international community in 2006, the tenure of Slovakia will stretch until December 31. Her main role as the President of the Conference is to prepare a consensual report of 65 CD members to be submitted to the UN General Assembly later this year. The report should reflect the revival of the Conference’s activities arising from the P6 initiative.
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| The UNSC held a debate on the Situation in Timor-Leste. - On Tuesday, 15 August 2006, the UNSC held a debate on the Situation in Timor-Leste.
The Slovak Republic expressed her support to the establishment of a new robust UN Mission in Timor-Leste that would help to ensure political stability and public security, in particular with regard to the upcoming elections in 2007. The Slovak Republic also stressed the importance for the Timorese Government and people to assume full ownership and responsibility for the country’s transformation process. In the context of the national reconciliation process, Slovakia stressed the necessity to pay attention to the need for accountability for past human rights crimes in Timor-Leste.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Co-operation of Timor-Leste Mr. Jose Luis Guterres expressed the gratitude of the Timorese people for the help of the international community provided during the recent disturbances in Timor-Leste and called for a continues presence and help of the international community. In this context, he supported the recommendations of the UN Secretary-General aimed at the establishment of a robust integrated UN Mission in Timor-Leste. He pointed out an acute need for institution building in the areas of security, justice and development and highlighted the crucial importance of the presidential and parliamentary elections to be held next year.
The UNSC members as well as other participants in the debate concurred that the situation in Timor-Leste remains fragile and therefore a continued presence of the international community in the country is necessary. The need to address the root causes of the conflict in Timor-Leste was underlined, in particular, in the field of the security sector, the failure of which led to the recent disturbances.
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| UNSC adopted resolution on extension of the mandate of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti . - On 15 August 2006 the United Nations Security Council adopted unanimously resolution 1702 (2006) on extension of the mandate of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) until 15 February 2007. The Mission will consist of a military component of up to 7,200 troops and police component of up to 1,951 officers. In addition 16 correction officers seconded from Member States in support of the Government of Haiti to address the shortcomings of the prison system should be deployed.
The Slovak Republic backed the draft of the resolution prepared by Argentina. Taking into consideration the need for securing of rule of law and respect for human rights as vital components of democratic societies, during the negotiations Slovakia advocated for maintenance of the size of the existing military component, strengthening of the police component and stronger assistance of MINUSTAH to the security sector reform and to the judiciary system of Haiti.
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| Mrs. Diana Štrofová at the extraordinary meeting of the GAERC . - State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mrs. Diana Štrofová will represent Slovakia at the extraordinary meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, which will be held in Brussels on 1 August 2006.
The discussion will focus on the situation in the Middle East. The aim is to strengthen European Union commitment in the efforts made to solve the Middle East problems. As far as Lebanon is concerned, the ministers will discuss immediate cessation of hostilities, aims of reaching a political agreement and action to overcome the humanitarian crisis. The Council meeting will also discuss an international operation planned to be carried out on the basis of a UN mandate and the role of EU Member States in this operation.
01.08.2006 |
| E. Kukan at the European Council meeting in Brusseles - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Eduard Kukan will join the official Slovak Delegation headed by the Prime Minister Mikuláš Dzurinda at the European Council meeting in Brusseles from 15 to 16 June 2006.
The priority issues of the negotiations will be an evaluation of the reflection period, the future of Europe, constitutional process, transparency and subsidiarity. The European Council will also deal with the enlargement of the Union, external relations, promotion of freedom, security, justice and promotion of the European way of life in a globalised world. |
| UN SC Presidential Statement on the situation in Côte d’Ivoire - On 24 May 2006, the UN Security Council approved Presidential Statement No. 23/2006 addressing the situation in Côte d’Ivoire in which it expresses its full support for the International Working Group and endorses its seventh final communiqué dated 19 May 2006.
The Security Council welcomes the launching of public hearings aimed at the identification of the population as well as the discussions to initiate without delay the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme (DDR). Despite these positive developments the Security Council reiterates its grave concern at the serious delay in the implementation of the roadmap and invites the Government of National Reconciliation to take immediately, with the support of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI), all the necessary measures to accelerate the implementation of the roadmap, in particular the DDR and identification operations, the redeployment of the administration throughtout the territory and the reunification of the country.
The Security Council strongly condemns the acts of violence against civilians, political leaders and impartial forces and demands that all Ivorian parties refrain from making any public messages that incite hatred and violence. It calls upon the Ivorian authorities to take without delay all the necessary steps so that those responsible for violence are identified and punished.
The Security Council underlines that targeted measures are to be imposed against persons who among other things block the implementation of the peace process or who incite publicly hatred and violence.
The Security Council urges all Ivorian parties to closely co-operate with the Prime Minister Banny in order to create the conditions indispensable for the holding of free, open, fair and transparent elections by 31 October 2006.
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| UN SC on Timor-Leste - On May 25, 2006, the Security Council today issued a presidential statement on Timor-Leste S/PRST/2006/25 welcoming the Secretary-General's initiatives, voicing deep concern at developments in Timor-Leste, recognizing the urgency of the deteriorating situation and condemning the violence.
The Security Council urges the Government of Timor-Leste to take all necessary steps to end the violence with due respect for human rights and to restore a secure and stable environment..
In its statement, the Council also acknowledged the request made by the Government of Timor-Leste to the Governments of Portugal, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia to dispatch defence and security forces under bilateral arrangements.
The Security Council welcomes the positive responses made by the governments concerned and fully supports their deployment of defence and security forces to urgently assist Timor-Leste in restoring and maintaining security. The Security Council is looking forward to close cooperation between those forces and UNOTIL.
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| UN SC adopted a resolution on the situation in Lebanon - On Wednesday May 17, 2006 the UN Security Council adopted by vote resolution 1680 (2006) on the situation in the Middle East, in particular in Lebanon. Slovakia (together with Denmark, France, the UK and the USA) was one of the co-sponsors of the draft resolution. The Security Council welcomes progress made by the Government of Lebanon in the extension of control over all its territory as stipulated in the provisions of the UN SC resolution 1559 (2004), but at the same time strongly encourages the Government of Syria to respond positively to the request made by the Government of Lebanon especially in resolving the issues such as delineation of their common border and establishment of full diplomatic relations, bearing in mind that both issues will be sorted out by mutual consent. At the same time, the Security Council welcomes the decision of the Lebanese national dialogue to disarm Palestinian militias outside refugee camps. The resolution was adopted by the votes of 13 UN SC members. Emphasizing the need to respect exclusive bilateral relations between two sovereign countries, the Russian Federation and China abstained in the vote.
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| The Slovak delegation at the GAERC meeting in - The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic J. Berényi will represent Slovakia at the regular meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, which will be held in Brussels on 15 May 2006.
Beside standard issues, the General Affaires Council will discuss the annotated agenda of the up-coming European Council.
The discussion of External Relations Council will be focused on issues concerning WTO, MEPP, Iran, Iraq, Western Balkans, EU-Russia summit, Africa, Nepal and security issues.
The Commission will inform ministers about progress in WTO/DDA negotiations. Ministers will open the questions of current situation in Western Balkans and preparation on EU-Russia summit. The situation in Iraq and financial support to Palestine will resound within the lunch ministerial discussion. On the subject of Iran, the EU will try to adopt future course towards the country after expiring of 30-day period defined in the UN Security Council’s declaration of 29 March 2006. The Ministers will also discuss crises regions in Africa and the current serious situation in Nepal.
Traditional component of May’s GAERC is security segment. Within this agenda, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Ministers of Defence will open issues of Emergency and Crisis Response, Civil Military Coordination and Security Sector Reform in the Western Balkans.
In the margins of the Council, OSCE-Troika Meeting, EU-GCC Joint Council and EU-Algeria Association Council will be held.
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| Message for the western Sudanese province of Darfur - With participation of the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, eight ministers of foreign affairs, two ministers for development and numerous other high-ranking officials, on Tuesday May 9, 2006 the UN Security Council held a public meeting on the situation in the western Sudanese province of Darfur following the recent signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the Government of National Unity of the Sudan and the major rebel movement (Abuja, Nigeria – May 5, 2006). Today Darfur represents the most serious humanitarian crisis in the world that has, in the recent three years, cost lives of about 180 thousand people and has directly negatively affected about 2.5 million people in the Sudan and in neighbouring Chad.
Participants of the meeting have all welcomed the signing of the CPA and have called on all other groups of Darfurian rebels to sign it without delay. The Security Council hopes that the CPA will be successfully implemented and that it will soon bring to the people of the Sudan peace and security. In the Presidential Statement No. 21/2006 adopted during the meeting, the Council has commended the mediating efforts of the Presidents of Congo and Nigeria and those of Mr. Salim Ahmed Salim, Special Envoy of the African Union (AU). The immediate strengthening of the AU Mission in Darfur (AMIS) is essential so that it can contribute to the implementation of the CPA and prevent further suffering of the Sudanese people before UN troops will be sent to Darfur. The Security Council has called on Kofi Annan and the AU to organise a donors‘ conference for AMIS as soon as possible and on UN Member States to provide additional material and financial support for AMIS. The Security Council expects to soon receive from the Secretary-General specific proposals for the enlargement of the UN Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS) to Darfur, too. The Council has requested from the Sudanese Government that it immediately allows the joint UN and AU assessment team to visit Darfur – it is to prepare technical details for the sending of UN troops to Darfur. The Security Council has expressed its grave concern over the still deteriorating humanitarian situation in Darfur and has called on UN Member States to provide additional funding for humanitarian aid, which is co-ordinated by the Netherlands.
In his statement, Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the UN, Ambassador Peter Burian commended the positive role of the AU and namely of Mr. Salim Ahmed Salim during the intensive peace talks in Abuja, which were successfully concluded in the end. Slovakia hopes that further rebel groups will join the CPA and that it will be fully implemented. The role of AMIS is inevitable today, that is why it needs to be strengthened during the upcoming donors’ conference. At the same time, planning for the subsequent sending of UN troops needs to be accelerated. We are deeply concerned about the serious humanitarian situation in Darfur. We call on the Government of the Sudan to remove any obstacles for the delivery of humanitarian aid and appreciate the commitments undertaken by the international community to provide further necessary funding.
11.05.2006 |
| UN SC on the situation in Timor-Leste -
The UN Security Council met on Friday May 5, 2006 at a public meeting to consider the Secretary-General’s end-of-mandate report on the United Nations Office in Timor-Leste (UNOTIL), dated 20 April 2006. Mr. José Ramos-Horta, Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste, provided a detailed account of the recent security and political development in the country and of his government steps, including the most recent clashes during which five people died and 60 were injured. The clashes were directly related to the dismissal of about one third soldiers from the Timorese Defence Force. The Minister urged the members of the Security Council to endorse the recommendation of the Secretary-General for the establishment of a small integrated UN office for 12 months beginning on 21 May upon completion of UNOTIL’s mandate to help the Government carry out free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections in 2007. It would also assist the Government, through the impartial presence of UN military liaison officers, assist the Border Control Unit in planning and conducting border security operations, help in further building the capacity of State and Government institutions in areas requiring specialized expertise, and help strengthen further the national capacity for human rights protection and the promotion of justice and reconciliation.
Slovakia, in its statement, commended the progress Timor-Leste had made in many areas of the state building with the support of UNOTIL. At the same time, there were still formidable challenges for the Government of Timor-Leste to consolidate peace and democracy. The recent eruption of violence in the capital of Dili was a warning that peace and stability in the country were far from guaranteed. The UN should continue to pay close attention and provide focused assistance to Timor-Leste in order to consolidate the investments that the Organization had already made over the past six years. Slovakia supports the proposal of the Secretary-General for extending the UN presence in Timor-Leste. Slovakia would like to see a tangible progress achieved in the process of justice and reconciliation in Timor-Leste to bring the perpetrators of serious crimes and atrocities committed during the 1999 referendum for independence to justice.
09.05.2006 |
| Mrs. Magda Vášáryová received Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg - The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Mrs. Magda Vášáryová, received on May 9, 2006 H.E. Mr. Marc Thill, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to the Slovak Republic seated in Vienna, on the occasion of the beginning of a diplomatic mission of the Ambassador.
Both representatives appreciated a very positive level of relations between Slovakia and Luxembourg and stressed the need to further develop bilateral economic cooperation. The State Secretary and Ambassador also briefly discussed the issue of ratification of the EU Constitutional Treaty, Transatlantic Relations and specific foreign policy priorities of Slovakia, namely the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Belarus.
09.05.2006 |
| UN SC adopted resolution on protection of civilians in armed conflict - On 28 April 2006, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a milestone resolution on protection of civilians in armed conflict (No. 1674/2006). The resolution reaffirms commitments from the Outcome Document of the 2005 World Summit on implementation of the principle of “responsibility to protect” and expands the scope of protection, especially for the most vulnerable groups like women, children, refugees and internally displaced persons. The international community should use the full range of justice and reconciliation mechanisms, including national, international and ‘mixed’ criminal courts and tribunals and truth and reconciliation commissions to end the impunity of the violators of the international humanitarian law. The Security Council remains seized of the matter and requested the Secretary-General to present his report on the implementation of the resolution within 18 months.
This topic is among priority areas of the Slovak Republic in the Security Council’s agenda. In the course of the negotiations on the draft resolution, Slovakia, in line with the common positions and values of the EU, firmly supported the broadest possible protection of civilians in armed conflict. |
| UN SC extended the mandate of the 1540 Committee, which is chaired by the Representative of Slovakia - On April 27, 2006 members of the UN Security Council discussed the report on the implementation of Resolution 1540 (2004) presented by the Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to that resolution, Ambassador Peter Burian, Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the UN. Members of the Security Council expressed their appreciation for the work of the Committee over the past two years and welcomed the recommendations of the Committee’s report and agreed that they provide a good basis for the Committee’s future work. Following the discussion of the report, members of the Security Council reaffirmed resolution 1540 (2004) which, among other things, decided that States shall prohibit access of non-State actors to weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, and take measures to prevent the proliferation of such items and related materials, consistent with the need to address the threat to international peace and security the Security Council has identified in that resolution. The Council noted that full implementation of Resolution 1540 (2004) by all States is a long-term task that requires continuous efforts at national, regional and international levels. In this context, members of the Security Council agreed to extend the mandate of the 1540 Committee for another two years by unanimously adopting Resolution 1673 (2006).
Public day : 28.04.2006 |
| Mrs. Magdaléna Vášáryová received Ambassador of the United States of Mexico to the Slovak Republic - The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Mrs. Magdaléna Vášáryová, received on April 24, 2006 H.E. Patricia Espinosa Cantellano, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of Mexico to the Slovak Republic, residing in Vienna.
During the meeting, both representatives discussed the on-coming working visit of the Mexican president Vicente Fox to Slovakia on May 13, 2006. Both representatives also evaluated some aspects of bilateral relations between Slovakia and Mexico.
Public day : 24.04.2006 |
| UN Security Council Presidential Statement on the situation in the Sudan - Darfur - On Tuesday, April 11, 2006, the UN Security Council adopted its Presidential Statement, where it expressed serious concern on the development of the situation in the Sudan - Darfur. The Security Council also asked all parties in the Inter-Sudanese Peace Talks on the Conflict in Darfur held in the Nigerian capital of Abuja to make the necessary efforts to reach a peace agreement by 30 April 2006.
The Security Council commends the efforts of the African Union in its engagement in the Darfur peace process and reaffirms its concern that the persisting violence in Darfur might further negatively affect the rest of the country as well as the region, including the security of neighbouring Chad. The Security Council also responds to the recent decision of the Sudanese Government of National Unity not to renew the contract of the Norwegian Refugee Council operating in Darfur and the decision to deny entry of the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Jan Egeland to Darfur.
13.04.2006 |
| The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Mrs. Magda Vášáryová, received ambassador of the Republic of Latvia - The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Mrs. Magda Vášáryová, received on April 12, 2006 the oncoming Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to the Slovak Republic, residing in Vienna, His Excellency Mr. Aivars Groza. The main theme of the reception was presenting the copies of credentials of the oncoming Ambassador.
Topics of the discussion between the State Secretary and the new Ambassador of Latvia were the questions of bilateral relations between Slovakia and Latvia and the situation in the Western Balkans and Ukraine. Both representatives praised the deepening of dialogue between Slovakia and Latvia on the highest political level, especially in connection with the forthcoming official visit of the President of Latvia, V. Vike Freiberga to Slovakia. Both sides also underlined the need to widen economic and trade cooperation.
Public day: 12.04.2006 |
| State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. József Berényi received today Mr. Eddi Hariyadhi, Director General for America and Europe of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia - State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. József Berényi received today Mr. Eddi Hariyadhi, Director General for America and Europe of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. High ranking diplomat led the Indonesian delegation at the consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia and Indonesia. On the Slovak side, the consultations were led by Director-General of the Political Section of the MFA Mr. M. Lajčák. Both sides reviewed the possibilities of the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation with emphasis on development of trade and economic cooperation between Slovakia and Indonesia. The rehabilitation and reconstruction of the province of Aceh hit by tsunami in 2004 and possibility of Slovak participation in certain projects were also discussed during the meeting.
Public day: 12.04.2006 |
| E. Kukan at the GAERC meeting in Luxembourg, - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic E. Kukan will represent Slovakia at the regular meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, which will be held in Luxembourg on 10 April 2006.
Beside standard issues, the General Affaires Council will adopt Inter-Institutional Agreement on Financial Perspective 2007-2013.
Discussion of External Relations Council will be focused on issues concerning WTO, MEPP, Iran, Ukraine, Belarus, Review of the EU Strategy for Sustainable Development and Development issues.
The Commission will inform ministers about progress of WTO/DDA negotiations. Ministers will open the question of current situation and future relations with towards Ukraine and Belarus. Post election situation in Israel and financial support to Palestine will resound within the Middle-East Peacekeeping Process issue. On the subject of Iran, EU will justify the UN Security Council’s declaration of 29 March 2006. The Ministers will also discuss review of the EU Strategy for Sustainable Development.
Traditional component of April’s GAERC is development segment. Within this agenda, Ministers will open EU-ACP Partnership, EU Aid Effectiveness, Humanitarian Assistance and UN System-wide Coherence.
In the margins of the Council, Association Councils with Croatia and Lebanon and Cooperation Council with Moldova will be held.
07.04.2006 |
| The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affaires of the Slovak Republic Magdaléna Vášáryová received ambassador of Slovenia in the Slovak Republic - The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affaires of the Slovak Republic Magdaléna Vášáryová received April 6, 2006 Mrs. Maja Lovrenčič-Svetek., ambassador of Slovenia in the Slovak Republic. The purpose of her visit was the presentation of Slovenia ´s candidature to the newly established UN Human Rights Council with a request for support concerning it. The elections for this new UN body will be held on May, 9 this year in New York
06.04.2006 |
| Minister of Foreign Affaires of the Slovak Republic Eduard Kukan will meet the Minister of Foreign Affaire of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Eduard Kukan will meet his counterpart Minister of Foreign Affaires of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov who will pay a working visit to Slovakia on April 04, 2006.
The discussion will be primarily focused on the bilateral agenda, economic cooperation between the two countries including the energy area and boosting of the Inter-governmental Commission for Economic, Industrial, Technical and Scientific Cooperation.
Both sides will have talks about the present situation and about the perspectives of the current regional and international issues and will exchange their views on the post-election development in Belarus and Ukraine.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russia Federation S. Lavrov will lay a garland at the Slavín Memorial of Soviet Soldiers and at the Memorial of the Liberators of Bratislava at Hviezdoslav Square |
| UN Security Council on the Situation in Haiti -
On Monday, March 27, 2006 the Security Council held an open debate on the question concerning Haiti with the participation of the President-elect of Haiti, Mr. René Préval. Many delegations (especially of Latin American countries), including some Security Council Member States (Greece, Peru), were represented at the meeting at the level of foreign or deputy foreign ministers. The meeting was chaired by the Foreign Minister of Argentina, Mr. Jorge Taiana, whose country holds the Presidency of the Security Council for the month of March. The Security Council adopted a presidential statement. In it, the Council urged the transitional Government of Haiti, with support from the international community, to ensure the continued credibility of the electoral process in the second round of parliamentary elections on 21 April, which will allow the prompt inauguration of Mr. Préval. It further encouraged all countries that have contributed police and troop contingents to remain engaged in the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). It also underlined the need for Haiti to proceed with a thorough and comprehensive reform of its national police and its justice system. Towards reducing extreme poverty and instability, the Council reiterated the need for quick implementation of highly-visible and labour-intensive projects that deliver social services and called for donors to reassess their priorities in a targeted way, working closely with the Government and MINUSTAH.
For its part, Slovakia underlined the importance of completing the electoral cycle, including holding of local and municipal elections in the same manner and spirit as the first round of national elections on 7 February 2006, and expressed its full support to the continued role of the UN Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) in ensuring security, reinforcing democracy, supporting implementation of civil service and public administration reforms, security sector reform and disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) processes in the country. 28.03.2006 |
| The UN Security Council on the situation in Ethiopia and Eritrea - On 14 March 2006, the Security Council adopted its Resolution 1661 (2006), which extends the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) for a period of one month - until 15 April 2006. Thus, mainly additional room for a continuation of diplomatic initiatives leading to the resolution of the conflict is created. The resolution stresses the need for a full and expeditious implementation of the Algiers Agreements. The Security Council also welcomes convening of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC) in London on 10 March 2006. The Security Council reiterated that both parties need to permit UNMEE to perform its duties without restrictions and also stresses that demarcation of the border cannot continue effectively unless UNMEE is allowed full freedom of movement throughout its area of operations.
15.03.2006 |
| Proposal wants Sun, Deng on currency - CHINA'S political advisers have proposed putting Dr Sun Yat-sen, forerunner of China's democratic revolution, and Deng Xiaoping, chief architect of economic reform, on yuan notes.
"Sun led the democratic revolution which toppled the 2,000-year-old imperial system and was the founding father of China's republican system," said Hu Zhibin, a member of the 10th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, in Beijing.
"Sun has been admired by people across the Taiwan Strait and Chinese all over the world. He deserves a place on the currency," Hu added.
Hu and 11 others have submitted a proposal regarding the issue to the session, which ended yesterday.
The proposal coincided with the commemoration of the 81st anniversary of the death of Dr Sun (1866-1925) on Sunday. The anniversary was marked in several places on the Chinese mainland and in Taiwan, where the Kuomintang party founded by Sun is based.
In two other separate proposals submitted to the CPPCC session, advisers Duan Huijun and Gu Xinyi have also called for a tribute to late leader Deng Xiaoping (1904-1997) by putting his portrait on yuan notes.
"We owe our sustained, rapid economic growth and constantly rising international status over the past decades to Deng Xiaoping, who initiated the reform and opening-up drive in the late 1970s," wrote Duan in his proposal.
It is international practice for a nation to put outstanding leaders on bank notes so the proposal shouldn't be viewed as a "personal cult," said Gu.
Xinhua
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| State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. József Berényi received Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Zambia to the Slovak Republic - State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. József Berényi received on March 6, 2006 Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Zambia to the Slovak Republic, residing in Berlin, Mr. Godwin Kingsley Chinkuli, who presented to the Secretary copies of his Credentials.
Diplomats focused their talks mainly on exchange of views on African issues and assessment of the level of Slovak-Zambian relations and reviewing possibilities of their further development. Public day : 06.03.2006 |
| State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. József Berényi received Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Guinea to the Slovak Republic - State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr. József Berényi received on March 6, 2006 Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Guinea to the Slovak Republic, residing in Berlin, Mr. El Hadj Aboubacar Dione, who presented to the Secretary copies of his Credentials.
Both sides expressed their satisfaction with good level of bilateral relations between Slovakia and Guinea and examined ways of their further development in the future, particularly in the field of economic cooperation, cultural and tourist activities.
Public day : 06.03.2006 |
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