NATO associate issues warning regarding new defense policy
Date
10/30/2023 4:03:59 AM
(MENAFN) In a significant policy shift, Slovakia has announced its intention to reassess the Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) with the United States. The newly appointed defense minister, Robert Kalinak, disclosed that this move is aimed at ensuring that the agreement remains mutually beneficial for both parties. As a result of this review, Slovakia will temporarily halt the shipment of arms to Ukraine.
Kalinak expressed his rationale for this decision on his facebook page, stating, "When things ain’t working out you need to fix it." He further elaborated that the current agreement, in its present form, places Slovakia in a position where it is obliged to part with crucial military equipment and ammunition, which the nation requires for its own security.
During a meeting with United States Ambassador Gautam Rana, Kalinak emphasized that the discussion revolved around mutual interests and the prevailing security challenges faced by both nations. He underscored Slovakia's commitment to cooperation with its Western partners while asserting that the new leadership will prioritize the interests of its own citizens over previous policies.
"We conveyed to the United States Ambassador at the meeting the position of the pro-Slovak Government – we will not send new shipments from Slovak ammunition depots to Ukraine and the defense agreement will have to be modified," declared the defense minister.
This decision comes in the wake of the Slovak Social Democracy party's victory in parliamentary elections in September, leading to the suspension of all military aid to Ukraine. Prime Minister Robert Fico firmly stated that no further ammunition shipments will be dispatched to Ukraine under his administration.
The move by Slovakia marks a significant policy adjustment in its defense relations with the United States, highlighting the nation's commitment to safeguarding its own security interests while seeking to ensure that any agreements in place are advantageous for all parties involved.
The review of the Defense Cooperation Agreement will be closely watched by international observers for its potential implications on regional security dynamics.
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