Monitor: Fico: NATO Could Collapse, UN Inefficient

(STVR, 'Sobotne dialogy', 21 March) The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) could collapse at any time, potentially triggered by a withdrawal of the United States, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) stated on STVR's politics programme 'Sobotne dialogy' (Saturday Dialogues). Fico added that the global order is disintegrating and institutions such as the United Nations and the European Union have little influence over events. "In this climate of a collapsing world order, the European Union must focus on its own economic strength and we must forget those senseless green policies that are degrading our industry and economy. That is the path for the European Union," he declared. Fico also expressed concern that a potential military conflict in Cuba, combined with a US intervention in Venezuela, Russia's war in Ukraine and an Israeli-American war against Iran, could create conditions for the outbreak of a global conflict. In Fico's view, the EU should undergo reform and leaders of large and powerful member states should take the main role in speaking for the bloc. He said he could imagine French President Emmanuel Macron in such a position. Fico also stated that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is politically right to block a multi-billion loan for Ukraine, describing him as a seasoned politician. At the same time, Fico noted he does not attend events in Hungary or directly support any candidates in the upcoming parliamentary elections, while warning of a possible end to good bilateral relations if there is a change of government. The prime minister further said that Slovakia and the Czech Republic have managed to restore the format of joint government meetings, which could take place on 31 March. A similar format, he added, would also make sense between Slovakia and Ukraine, with which he aims to maintain fair relations. mf