Ministry of Defence has not prevented U.S. helicopters from landing at Piešťany airport

The Ministry of Defence is strongly opposed to the false, highly publicised information claiming that its decision has prevented U.S. helicopters from landing in the territory of the Slovak Republic. According to valid legislation, the issuance of diplomatic clearances for overflights and landings falls exclusively under the remit of the SVK Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.

On the matter of the diplomatic clearance request by the U.S. Embassy in Slovakia for U.S. helicopters to overfly the territory of the Slovak Republic on 18-19 June 2019 and the procedures therewith  connected, the Ministry of Defence has not until today released an official statement for the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, whereby it respects the reciprocal diplomatic clearance in line with the arrangements expressly endorsed by the Slovak Government’s Decision No. 554/2018, where the said overflights are approved.

At the same time, the Ministry of Defence has asked the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs to respect only the official statements made by the Ministry of Defence, so that misunderstandings can be avoided. In this particular case, the misunderstanding was caused by the fact that an internal communication between MOD employees was forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.

The MOD will take disciplinary action against the employees in line with valid legislation since they acted above and beyond their Service duties and responsibilities.