Fico: I see no reason for Slovakia to recognise Kosovo, we would return to Kfor

BRATISLAVA - In an exclusive interview for Tanjug, Slovak PM Robert Fico said on Thursday his country saw no reason to recognise the so-called Kosovo.

Fico said Slovakia was a small country adhering to the principle that small countries that did not resolve their problems by military means could rely only on international law.

"If we also have the courage to say that we see a violation of international law in the case of Ukraine, then we have the courage to say the same in the Kosovo case, too. That is why, if we remain on the platform of respect of international law and standards of how an independent state should emerge, you can rely on us in that case. We see no reason to recognise Kosovo," Fico said.

Asked if Slovakia was under pressure due to this stance, Fico responded that he had become accustomed to being criticised for bravely speaking his mind and the truth, rather than what "liberal progressivistic" media expected.

"In case of any pressure on us, I see no reason for a change of opinion when it comes to recognition of Kosovo," he added.

Asked whether Slovakia could return to the Kfor mission, which is important for the security of Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija, Fico said he had discussed the topic with Slovakia's deputy PM and defence minister.

"The defence minister confirmed to me that, if Slovakia were to be invited, we are absolutely ready to join the mission and take an active part in it," he said.

"Slovakia will gladly return to that mission," he added.

Commenting on an EU proposal to include implementation of the Brussels and Ohrid agreements in the framework of accession talks with Serbia, Fico noted that Serbia must count on the Kosovo issue being used as an obstacle in its EU accession negotiations.

He also said Serbia and Slovakia were historically close countries but that their friendship could always be improved and advanced further.