The Polish Foreign Affairs Ministry announced on Tuesday afternoon that Poland has granted permission for an aircraft carrying Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) to fly over its territory en route to Russia. At the same time, it reiterated its critical stance towards Fico's decision to participate in celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII in Moscow on May 9.
While in Moscow, Fico is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to the Kremlin, they will discuss bilateral issues and international topics, including the situation in Ukraine. According to Fico, he should also meet with leaders for China, Brazil and Vietnam while in Moscow. Fico is the only leader of the 27 EU member states who will attend the ceremonies in Moscow.
The Polish Ministry stated that the Slovak Embassy in Warsaw submitted a diplomatic request for a flyover by the government aircraft on May 8 and 9. "As there were no formal international legal obstacles, the Polish side issued the permit for a flight through the airspace of the Republic of Poland," said the ministry in its statement.
However, the Polish Foreign Ministry expressed a critical view of the Slovak Prime Minister’s participation in the Victory Day commemoration organised by Moscow.
"It is difficult for us to understand how leaders of countries that proclaim themselves to be supporters of peace and opponents of continued military operations can decide to accept an invitation from Vladimir Putin, who ordered an attack on a neighboring state, launched unprovoked military actions, and thus caused mass displacement of the population, suffering and the deaths of thousands (both civilians and soldiers), as well as destruction and the abduction of civilians including children," said the ministry.
“I reject linking current events to those from the time of the Second World War,” stated Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) on Tuesday during a wreath-laying ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the Day of Victory over Fascism at the Red Army Central Military Cemetery in Michalovce (Kosice region). Fico stressed that from its beginning the government has been committed to respecting and revering important historical milestones.
"Young soldiers who were killed during the liberation of Slovakia have nothing to do with current efforts to build a new Iron Curtain and provoke endless wars. We'll do whatever it takes to maintain our commitment of respect and gratitude in the future," emphasised Fico.
Victory over fascism, he said, is a celebration of peace and life. "I'm grateful that we were able to do our part in restoring a memorial where thousands of soldiers lie who gave the most precious thing they had - their lives in battle. Slovakia will always respect you and will not allow your memory to be dishonoured," stressed Fico.
The Premier thanked Russian Ambassador to Slovakia Igor Bratchikov for his cooperation in restoring the military cemetery in Michalovce and offered him cooperation in repairing other monuments and memorials.
"This place should also be a site of local patriotism for the town of Michalovce, because the soldiers of the Red Army who directly liberated Michalovce at the end of 1944 are buried here. It is a huge cemetery with graves of more than 17,000 soldiers of the glorious Red Army. Eternal thanks to those young men and women for what they did, and even greater glory to those who did not live to see the end of the Second World War," said the Prime Minister.
Source: TASR
