Blanar: Vienna Arbitration Highlights Importance of Peaceful Solutions

Bratislava, 2 November (TASR) - The decision by which Czechoslovakia lost large parts of its territory under international pressure 88 years ago remains a permanent reminder of why relations between states must be based on international law and dialogue, Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) has stated to mark the anniversary of the First Vienna Award of 2 November 1938, TASR learnt from the ministry's communications department on Monday. "The Vienna Arbitration is one the most painful chapters of our modern history, serving as a permanent reminder that borders and people's destinies mustn't be decided force or pressure. Respect for international law, diplomacy and the peaceful resolution of disputes are therefore the principles on which Slovakia's foreign policy is based today," stated Blanar. In 1938 in Vienna, the foreign ministers of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy decided on a new border in southern Slovakia. The arbitration followed the Munich Agreement of September that year and resulted in Slovakia losing more than 10,000 square kilometres of territory inhabited by approximately 850,000 people This also included some of the most fertile agricultural areas. As Blanar recalled, the decision was made by the great powers without Slovakia having any opportunity to influence it. "In 1938, decisions about us were made without us. Today, thanks to our membership of the European Union and NATO, we have a seat at the negotiating table and reliable allies. The borders decided upon back then are crossed today without checks, and rivalry between Central European countries has been replaced by trust. That's why we must continue to consistently uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Helsinki Final Act, which protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states," added Blanar. According to him, this historical experience is reflected today in the day-to-day work of Slovak diplomacy. Slovakia has long promoted respect for international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes within the UN, the EU and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), placing special emphasis on conflict prevention, mediation and dialogue. The same principles are also reflected in the motto "Respect, Dialogue, Stability, Peace", under which Slovakia is running for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2028-2029 and through which it aims to actively contribute to international peace and security. jrg