Opposition Welcomes Approval of Sanctions, Condemns Fico's Approach (2)

Bratislava, 18 July (TASR) - The opposition has welcomed the approval on Friday of the new 18th package of sanctions against Russia, while also criticising Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) for blocking the sanctions for several weeks. "KDH [the Christian Democratic Movement] welcomes the approval of the 18th package of sanctions against Russia agreed by EU-member states. We see the sanctions as peaceful pressure on Russia to stop the killing of innocent civilians," said party leader Milan Majersky. According to him, the premier "made a 180-degree turn" on this issue. While on Wednesday (July 16) he claimed that he wouldn't support the sanctions package because the gas-related guarantees were vague, a day later he called the same guarantees sufficient and lifted the veto. "This isn't a statesmanlike strategy, this is a pure political circus show," added Majersky. Meanwhile, the opposition Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party has "strongly criticised" the prime minister for the way in which Slovakia had blocked the 18th package of anti-Russian sanctions in recent weeks. According to the party, it's damaged Slovakia on the international stage. "Robert Fico has been theatrically rolling on the floor for weeks, vetoing sanctions against the aggressor, the Russian Federation. And the result? A complete fiasco and an international disgrace. Fico acted like a man under instructions from the Kremlin, not like the Slovak premier," said SaS leader Branislav Groehling. Progressive Slovakia (PS) leader Michal Simecka has criticised Fico's handling of the situation as well. "After this week, everyone can see it - Robert Fico is completely unqualified for European politics. He's achieved nothing on the gas issue. He insulted and blackmailed his partners, then childishly blamed the opposition, and finally, without explanation, he backed down," said Simecka, adding that a united and strong Europe is the only guarantee of Slovakia's security and prosperity. The opposition 'Slovakia' party is also convinced that the premier didn't negotiate anything fundamental for Slovakia and remained alone in blocking the sanctions. The other 26 EU-member states are aware that Russia poses a threat and that it's not possible to remain dependent on it for energy, said caucus chairman Michal Sipos. "Even Viktor Orban no longer stands by Fico. The only one who claims today that we should remain dependent on Russia is Robert Fico himself," he added. The 18th package of sanctions against Russia was approved by ambassadors of the EU-member states on Friday morning. Created in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it's set to hit Moscow's revenues from the energy and military sectors, with the adopted measures including a lowered price cap on Russian oil and a ban on trade with companies operating the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. lin/df