Defence cooperation with USA needs more time

The space for approving defence cooperation with the USA is narrowing rather than expanding as the parliamentary election approaches. This is a mistake according to the Foreign Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajčák. However, the minister stated after the Council meeting on Wednesday that in this matter he respects the will of the majority in Parliament. "We've also agreed with the Americans that this isn't about time, but about agreeing on a text with which both parties would be able to identify," added Lajčák. Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini (Smer-SD) stated in March that the aim of the negotiations should be to confirm whether Slovakia can negotiate an agreement that will not undermine the sovereignty of the country, will not guarantee the presence of US troops in Slovakia and will not force it to implement projects that it does not want on its territory. The Defence Ministry had been arguing that accepting the agreement would jeopardise Slovakia's sovereignty.