Pavel Answers Fico from New York: Peace Won't Come to Those Who Only Pretend to Want It

Czech President Petr Pavel departed for the United States on Sunday afternoon, where he is leading the Czech delegation to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York. However, before his departure, he was left with an unresolved dispute with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico over the principles of NATO's collective defense.

On Sunday evening, Fico stated: "I understand that as a former NATO general, he would want to go to war. I expect that in my case, he will respect a peaceful course." On Monday, Pavel responded from New York in front of journalists.

The President's Response from the US

"I've heard similar arguments before — that a general is dragging the country into war while everyone else wants peace. But peace will never come to someone who merely pretends to want it and isn't willing to do anything to achieve it," Pavel said.

He pointed out that the North Atlantic Treaty contains not only Article 5, which guarantees collective defense if any NATO member is attacked, but also Article 3, under which each country is obliged to maintain adequate defense capabilities on its own.

"Unfortunately, peace is only achieved when we are prepared to respond to violence. The old saying 'if you want peace, prepare for war' doesn't mean its author was bloodthirsty — it means peace must be defended by strength," the president emphasized.

How the Dispute Began

The controversy has been simmering since the end of last week. During a visit to Prešov, Prime Minister Fico said: "I don't want Slovakia to become party to some military conflict because of some Article 5. As prime minister, I will do everything to ensure Slovakia is never dragged into a military conflict."

Pavel reacted to this statement on Sunday, calling it an extremely serious remark that must be taken seriously and should not serve as an example to follow.

Babiš Backs Article 5, But Declines to Comment on Fico

On Monday, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) also spoke out publicly in support of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. However, he declined to assess his Slovak counterpart's position: "As the Czech Republic, we will of course respect Article 5. I won't comment on Prime Minister Fico," Babiš told reporters at a press conference.

Russia has recently escalated its rhetoric toward NATO member states, and tensions in Europe are rising amid the threatening statements. "We have no information suggesting the Czech Republic faces a threat of drone or missile attacks. We're still in a different position than Poland, which is closer to the conflict. And if something happens, we will of course help Poland under Article 5," Babiš said on Monday.

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Source: novinky.cz