BRATISLAVA, October 19, (WEBNOVINY) — President Ivan Gasparovic said on Wednesday evening that the Slovak delegation to the European Council meeting in Brussels as well as the eurozone summit, which is to take place on October 23 could be led either by himself or by Prime Minister Iveta Radicova. Gasparovic claims that if Slovakia was to be represented by Radicova, she would have to be commissioned by the president. “The president represents Slovakia externally, he negotiates and ratifies international treaties; he can commission the Cabinet with negotiating international treaties,” Gasparovic quoted the constitution. He also refused Radicova’s opinion that Slovak chair in Brussels could remain empty. “It will not [remain empty], someone will go to Brussels,” said Gasparovic, explaining that otherwise we could be considered a country unable of managing not only domestic affairs but also foreign policy as well.
Gasparovic claims the Cabinet cannot decide on who will attend the summit after losing the parliamentary vote of confidence. “I’ll be the one to decide, by not dismissing this Cabinet,” informed Gasparovic. He also added that he never said Prime Minister Radicova could not be the one to temporarily represent Slovakia. Although she is a former prime minister according to the parliament, according to the president she still has some competencies delegated by him, explained Gasparovic. He would dare to attend the summit although English is to be the official language of the event. He said he has already attended many such sessions and was also able to present proposals. The president says that similar events are being translated, as, he believes several EU presidents and prime ministers do not speak English.
He did not want to disclose whether he plans dismissing the Cabinet on Friday. “I’m meeting chairmen of political parties on Thursday evening and the decision could be made there,” said President Gasparovic.
SITA