MFA Respects Resolution on Russian Sanctions But Asks about Its Enforceability

Bratislava, 5 June (TASR) - The Foreign and European Affairs Ministry respects the resolution adopted on Thursday by Parliament on rejecting the policy of sanctions and trade restrictions against the Russian Federation and the protection of Slovakia's economic and energy interests, TASR learnt on Thursday. However, head of the ministry Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) in his opinion draws attention to the issue of the enforceability of the resolution. "It's necessary that Parliament and other state bodies, whose powers concern the adoption and implementation of sanctions, deal with the enforceability," said Blanar, adding that the Foreign Ministry "after a thorough analysis of the processes resulting from the resolution" will provide an opinion from the point of view of its powers. According to the resolution, which was submitted by the coalition Slovak National Party (SNS), cabinet members shouldn't vote in international organisations to adopt new sanctions and trade restrictions against Russia. At the same time, government members should actively promote measures to stabilise the energy market, eliminate price volatility and protect the strategic interests of the Slovak economy. Fifty-one of the 76 MPs present for the vote backed the draft. They included the whole SNS caucus, most of the Smer-SD caucus, some Voice-SD MPs and several Independents. Jan Ferencak (Voice-SD) voted against the draft, while an additional 23 MPs, mainly from the Voice-SD caucus, abstained from voting. Opposition MPs didn't take part in the vote. am