Bratislava to oppose trade liberalization with Ukraine unless Slovak farmers are protected - PM Fico

MOSCOW. Feb 22 (Interfax) - Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said after a meeting with Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Richard Takac that Slovakia will not support the European Commission's proposal to extend measures liberalizing trade with Ukraine if steps to protect Slovak farmers are not taken, Ukrainian media said, citing teraz.sk.

Fico believes that the full liberalization of trade harms the interests of Ukraine's immediate neighbors, teraz.sk said. Consequently, Slovakia demands protection for EU member countries in light of the import of grain or honey from Ukraine or wants the timeline proposed by the European Commission to be adjusted.

"However, the EU and many member countries are deaf and blind even if Slovak farmers have to get ruined for the sake of Ukrainian interests," he said.

Fico told the representatives who will vote on behalf of Slovakia not to support the European Commission's proposal until comments in support of Slovak farmers are taken into consideration.

"I believe that both Hungary, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria will have the same opinion," he said.