Danko Urges Fico to Hold Talks with Zelenskyy after Banderites Issue Is Resolved

Bratislava, 21 June (TASR) - Junior coalition Slovak National Party (SNS) leader and House vice-chair Andrej Danko has called on Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) not to engage in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy until Ukraine clearly addresses the issue of celebrating figures and symbols associated with the Banderites, TASR has learnt from SNS spokesperson Zuzana Skopcova on Sunday. According to Danko, newly-elected Polish President Karol Nawrocki's has sent a clear signal that the glorification of individuals associated with massacres of Poles is unacceptable. "Poland can be proud to have a president like Karol Nawrocki. His stance shows that historical memory and respect for the victims must take precedence over political correctness. Slovakia should adopt an equally principled stance on this issue," said Danko. He urged Fico to clearly voice Slovakia's disapproval of any kind of glorification of individuals or movements associated with fascism, extremism or crimes against civilians during his contacts with the Ukrainian leadership. "I call on Prime Minister Robert Fico not to shake hands with Volodymyr Zelenskyy until the promoting and glorifying of the Banderites comes to an end. Slovakia's political leadership should adopt the same stance on this issue as the Polish president. Respect for historical truth and the memory of victims must prevail over political interests," stressed Danko. SNS has long maintained that good relations between countries must be based on mutual respect, historical truth and the rejection of all forms of glorification of totalitarian ideologies and their representatives. jrg