Slovak PM criticizes EU sanctions against Russia

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico criticized at a press conference on Thursday the sanctions by the European Union (EU) against Russia over Ukraine.

Fico said that crisis situation in Ukraine should be solved differently other than by senseless sanctions, which damage economy.

"Who are satisfied when the EU economy is declining? Who are satisfied when the Russian Federation has problems? Who benefits when Ukraine is practically on its knees economically? There are various other methods to solve conflicts rather than senseless sanctions," said Fico.
Fico also said Slovakia must be prepared for a potential disruption of Russian natural gas supplies to Europe.

"We can't rule out the possibility that the scenario experienced in the beginning of 2009 will happen again. Back then, transit gas flows across Slovakia were suspended," added Fico.

Europe imports about a third of its gas supplies from Russia. About 40 percent of that amount flows through Ukraine and into the west via Slovakia.

• There would be potential consequences for Slovakia if gas flows to the country were stopped, regardless of whether Ukraine or Russia cut them off.

"Again, I can state with satisfaction that we're getting close to filling all reservoirs to full capacity. It's just a matter of a few days before I'll be able to state that the reservoirs are filled up to 98-99 percent," claimed Fico.

Sources: Xinhua - globaltimes.cn

14/8/14

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Slovak PM says nation must be ready for Russian gas supply cut

PRAGUE - Slovakia must be prepared for a potential disruption of Russian natural gas supplies via Ukraine, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Thursday.

"We must be prepared that such a situation can actually come about," Fico said when asked about potential disruptions during a meeting with representatives of the main Slovak gas company, SPP.

Russia cut gas supplies to Ukraine on June 16 in a dispute over unpaid bills but so far has continued to supply gas which Ukraine sends on to Russia's clients............................................ http://www.ellanodikhs.net/2014/08/slovak-pm-says-nation-must-be-ready-for.html

14/4/14