KDH: Fico's Statements on NATO's Article 5 Undermining Slovakia's Credibility

Bratislava, 18 September (TASR) - Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) is undermining Slovakia's credibility by declaring that the country won't allow itself to be dragged into war under Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, the opposition Christian Democrats (KDH) stated on Friday, calling on the premier to retract his remarks and expecting President Peter Pellegrini to clearly distance himself from them, TASR learnt from the KDH's communications department. The party highlights the importance of the article from a security perspective. "Article 5 is a fundamental pillar of Slovakia's security. Without it, NATO loses its purpose and Slovakia loses its most important security guarantee. Anyone who questions our readiness to help our allies also undermines their willingness to help us. One day, we may be the ones who need Article 5. Such statements therefore have no place coming from the prime minister," stated KDH vice-chairman Viliam Karas. Given its size, military capabilities and geographical location, the party argues that Slovakia is reliant on collective defence and the security guarantees of its allies. It therefore considers Article 5 to be of greater importance to the country than to many larger and militarily stronger states. Meanwhile, KDH also points out that the threat of further escalation of conflicts is not new and has persisted in Europe at least since the start of Russian aggression against Ukraine. This is precisely why, according to KDH, security is one of the issues on which the government must speak responsibly and with one voice, rather than sending out conflicting signals. The party announced that it will demand an explanation from the prime minister in Parliament regarding his comments on Article 5 of the NATO Treaty. During his visit to Presov on Thursday (17 September), Fico expressed his concerns about how the conflict in Ukraine is evolving. "The situation has never been as serious and tense in terms of the possibility of a pan-European military conflict as it is now," said the premier, adding that he doesn't want Slovakia to become involved in any war. The prime minister stated this in the context of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, according to which an armed attack against one NATO member is considered to be an attack against all members. am