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Fast-Track decision needed on European border guard set-up: Slovak PM

Xinhua, January 9, 2016 Adjust font size:

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is addressing European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker a letter asking them to act more rapidly in the decision to establish a common European Border and Coast Guard.

"We should consider the change in a newly approved time schedule, as we can't wait until next autumn," announced Fico at a press conference on Friday.

"We have to convince countries that have issues with setting up this European guard to understand that if they are unable to protect their borders by themselves, the international protection of the Schengen area borders has to be there," said Fico.

Fico said that Slovakia is giving for this purpose its whole abroad-operating police unit, which will be ready for deployment everywhere where consistent protection of the Schengen borders is needed.

"Attacks occurred also in other European cities and I express great surprise with the fact that the Opposition representatives wilfully downplay the security risks despite seeing what is going on in Europe due to migration," stressed Fico.

Fico reiterated that Slovakia can't afford thousands of migrants coming to the country at once.

"It's impossible to integrate them naturally, they would have to be kept on one location, which would led to security risks," added Fico. Endit