The Slovaks' view of Czechoslovakia

For 70 years the Czechs and Slovaks celebrated the anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia in 1918 on October 28. Since the division of the two nations in 1993, the date has all but disappeared from the memory of the Slovak people. This year the Slovakian parliament chose this day of all days to honour the memory of Andrej Hlinka, who was among Slovakia's most controversial politicians and concluded a pact with the National Socialists against the Czechs. Márius Kopcsay criticises the Slovaks' handling of their history: "The Republic of Czechoslovakia was the first democratic and modern state in which the Slovaks were able to participate. The bond between Czechs and Slovaks had many political, economic and cultural advantages - even if both nations ended up going their own ways. ... Given the close ties between the two countries it would be a sign of maturity on the part of Slovak politicians if they expressed respect for Czechoslovakian traditions."

» full article (external link, Slovak)
More from the press review on the subject » History, » Czech Republic, » Slovakia
All available articles from » Márius Kopcsay

» To the complete press review of Tuesday, October 30, 2007