24 Nov. 2004

Slovak President visits NATO News 23/11/2004 - NATO Slovak President to visit NATO HQ Opinions 23/11/2004 - NATO Transcript of the press conference Multimedia High resolution photos of the visit Audio file of the press conference (MP3/6747kb) On his first ever visit to NATO Headquarters on 24 November Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic said his country would maintain its level of engagement in NATO’s operations. The President came to NATO Headquarters for talks with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. The Secretary General and President Gasparovic discussed the defence restructuring process in Slovakia, the Alliance’s missions in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Balkans and its partnerships. Speaking to reporters after their meeting, Mr. De Hoop Scheffer praised Slovakia for its participation in NATO’s operations. He also said that he was looking forward to visiting Slovakia, following an invitation by the President. President Gasparovic said he had assured the Secretary General that Slovakia would continue to maintain its level of commitment to NATO’s operations. Concern over Ukraine The Secretary General and President Gasparovic also discussed the tense situation in Ukraine following the disputed presidential election. Mr. De Hoop Scheffer told reporters that “a review of the election results was absolutely necessary” in light of the “disturbing” accounts of election fraud and ballot stuffing. This was the highest-ranking visit of a Slovak official to NATO Headquarters since the country joined the Alliance in March this year.