Slovak PM conveys concerns to EU chief Brexit negotiator

The European Commission's (EC) chief Brexit negotiator has the full support of the Slovak government, Prime Minister Robert Fico said Thursday.

Fico made the statement after meeting Michel Barnier, the chief negotiator in charge of the preparation and conduct of negotiations with Britain under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.

Fico stated that he wants Slovaks who live and work in Britain to remain there under the same conditions enjoyed by British citizens.

"Of course, it can be expected that the UK is considering certain restrictions regarding freedom of movement in the future. But when it comes to those people who've been working and living in Britain, we strictly insist on keeping the same status and rights for them that UK citizens are entitled to," he said.

Barnier was upbeat about the talks with Fico.

"I've already visited half of the member states. I can say that our position will be neither aggressive nor naive. It's extremely important for us to maintain the unity of the 27 EU member states," he added.

The British Supreme Court recently issued a ruling according to which British Prime Minister Theresa May can't officially initiate Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty without the consent of the British Parliament.

Her cabinet has appealed the court decision, and the Supreme Court is set to deal with this appeal in December, with a ruling expected to be announced in January. Endit