10 March 1998
(Discusses U.S.-Slovak relations with visitors) (330) Washington -- Acting Secretary of State Strobe Talbott met with seven members of the Slovak Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee March 9 in the State Department to discuss U.S.-Slovak relations. Talbott expressed the serious concern of the United States about the course of democracy in Slovakia and made particular reference to proposed changes in the election law which, if enacted, would make it more difficult for opposition parties to compete fairly in September parliamentary elections. The Slovak delegation assured the acting secretary that elections would be free and fair, according to a State Department release March 10. Following is the text of the statement: (Begin text) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESMAN FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 10, 1998 STATEMENT BY JAMES FOLEY THE ACTING SECRETARY'S MEETING WITH SLOVAK PARLIAMENTARIANS Acting Secretary Talbott met seven members of the Slovak Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee March 9 in the State Department to discuss U.S.-Slovak relations. Mr. Talbott praised the Slovak government for a number of recent, positive steps, such as the successful performance of the Slovak military in peacekeeping efforts and the negotiation of a tentative agreement with Hungary over the Gabcikovo Dam dispute. The Acting Secretary also reiterated serious concerns of the United States about the course of democracy in Slovakia. In particular, he noted U.S. objections to the use of presidential powers by Prime Minister Meciar for partisan, political gain, and proposed changes in the election law which, if enacted, would make it more difficult for opposition parties to compete fairly in September parliamentary elections. The Slovak delegation assured Mr. Talbott elections would be free and fair. Mr. Talbott said he hoped U.S. skepticism about the Slovak government's actions would be proven unfounded and stressed the U.S. interest in welcoming Slovakia fully into the Western community of nations once Slovakia is ready. (End text)