Slovak Prime Minister does not want more sanctions against Russia

Slovakia is concerned about the tension in eastern Ukraine as it affects Europe and the whole world, Prime Minister Robert Fico said at the Foreign and European Affairs Ministry on Tuesday at a conference assessing Slovakia's foreign and European policies in 2014. During his speech to the conference, Fico also said that the annexation of Crimea a year ago constituted a breach of international law and changed international relations. "Once strategic partners, the European Union and Russia communicate today through sanctions and wage economic war. This approach is detrimental for everyone and we should not take comfort in the fact that Russia is hurt [by the sanctions] more", said Fico. Fico claims that he is interested in cooperation on the level of civilised partners that brings mutual benefits. "I do not hanker for further sanctions against Russia. On the contrary, I am openly committed to solutions and dialogue", he said, stressing that military approaches won't resolve the situation but will only lead to more victims on both sides.