Getting in the way of business

"The year 2008 witnessed a growing indifference among Slovak politicians regarding human rights and freedoms," writes the liberal daily Sme. "The view prevailed that a stubborn stance on this issue would impede trade relations. ... This year, like last year, Prime Minister Robert Fico attended the anniversary of the Cuban Revolution. President Ivan Gašparovič attended the Olympic Games opening ceremony without making any mention of human rights abuses in China and Tibet. ... Yet human rights are at the core of Europe's traditions. By actively supporting them Slovakia can prove that it is not indifferent to events taking place beyond its borders. This will be all the more valid next year, which marks the 20th anniversary of the fall of communism in Central and Eastern Europe."

» full article (external link, Slovak)
More from the press review on the subject » International Relations, » Slovakia, » Global