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Radicova: Decision on EU Guarantee Mechanism Irreversible
Wednesday 30 June 2010 Zoom in | Print page
Bratislava, June 30 (TASR) - The new government has inherited a political decision concerning the creation of a new EU guarantee mechanism that is designed to give a helping hand to countries that find themselves in financial trouble.
It's irreversible, said Premier-designate Iveta Radicova (SDKU-DS) at a meeting with Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic in Wednesday.
According to Radicova, the new government is prepared to lead responsible talks in Brussels and in the Slovak Parliament. It currently does not have any authority to articulate any guarantees for the successful ratification of the framework agreement.
The meeting in Presidential Palace, initiated by Gasparovic, was initially supposed to be attended by current Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) too. Fico, however, excused himself.
"I have to inform you that Mr. Prime Minister announced he will not attend this meeting on short notice. I am sorry, because I am convinced that the interests beneficial for the state should not be dealt with solely through ideas from political parties," said Gasparovic.
July 1 stands as a deadline for Slovakia to sign the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), designed to aid EU-member states afflicted with financial troubles in the future [similarly to the way Greece was bailed out last month - ed.note].
"Mine and ours obligation dwells in the fact that we have to and we will negotiate about the mechanism of this political agreement, which will determine the extent, way and activation of Slovakia in case of the ratification of framework agreement," explained Radicova. At the same time, she said she cannot give any guarantees on behalf of MPs in connection with the ratification process, which also has to be signed by the head of state.
Radicova added that shortly after the new government will be appointed, there will be talks concerning the mechanism in Brussels, as well as in Slovak Parliament. "We consider the political process as irreversible, but the mechanisms, which should result from it, are fully in the competence of the national parliaments and negotiations in Brussels. We are ready for responsible talks," added Radicova.
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