According to President Andrej Kiska, the agreement achieved in Minsk means a great deal. "Although it is clear that the path to peace is still long", said the Slovak president. At the same time he wished that the peace deal be the end of the ongoing tragedy in Ukraine.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico welcomes the Minsk ceasefire however he is reserved about over-evaluating it.
"We should welcome this process; it is better than an ongoing fight. But we should be careful because Minsk has not solved the problem of military conflict, although it might weaken it and lead to its end after some time", said Robert Fico. He added that taken measures might add to the tension. As an example, he spoke about the law on a special status to war stricken territories that the Ukrainian parliament should adopt in 30 days. "What kind of status should it be? Who will decide on this status?" asked the Slovak prime minister. According to Robert Fico the commencement of the February 15 ceasefire might give enough time for both sides to strengthen their positions.
The leader of the Slovak government views support to the peace process the duty of the European Union. "We will do our best so that Ukraine can be our neighbour without war", said Robert Fico. Following his words, it would be a great mistake not to support the peace process started in Minsk with new sanctions taken.
