President Appeals that Nationality Shouldn't Be Reason for Quarrels

Bratislava, 30 June (TASR) - Diversity and variety strengthen Slovakia, President Peter Pellegrini stated following a round table with representatives of national communities on Monday, adding that national communities should live in peace and synergy in the country. The head of state urged that nationality shouldn't be a reason for quarrels or polarisation, stressing that Slovak citizens are also those who have a different nationality. "Let us not allow major conflicts from abroad to be transferred among our ethnic communities who live here, regardless of what's happening around in the world, in peace, in tranquillity and want to continue to live in that way," he noted, calling for conflicts or tensions not to be applied to people who have nothing to do with them. "These are people who live in Slovakia, who study here, raise their children here, work honestly or spend their well-deserved old age," he added. The head of state also drew attention to the problems encountered by people of other nationalities in Slovakia, calling for improvements in certain processes. Pellegrini announced that next week he'll meet with Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova (a Slovak National Party/SNS nominee). He also wants to convey to her suggestions on how to make the Ethnic Minorities Culture Support Fund more effective. "So that all those who organise wonderful festivals or events, publish publications and organise various projects get access to funds much earlier," he said. am/mcs