PM Fico Confirms his Opposition to U.S. Missile Shield in Europe

Speaking at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on Monday, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico repeatedly rejected plans of the United States to build anti-missile bases in Poland and the Czech Republic. "My opinion on the radar and the missile base remains negative. The decision to install a radar in the Czech Republic or a missile base in Poland depends on bilateral agreements with the United States. I disagree with statement that these agreements do not concern third countries, primarily neighboring countries," said the prime minister, in reaction to a question from the plenum of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. "I see no reason for moving the missile shield to Europe and generating nervousness," said Prime Minister Fico. He suggested that countries should discuss this topic in NATO, the EU and the Council of Europe. However, as Mr. Fico thinks, it is already late to launch such a debate. "We seem to be mere witnesses to this process," he said.
Mr. Fico spoke of the U.S. missile bases with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Bratislava last week. Mr. Tusk was unable to persuade Mr. Fico to change his negative opinion on the missile shield in Europe, which would serve as protection against a potential missile attack from Iran.