„I can assure you that these people are experts and no one will be nominated for political reasons,“ Kuchár stressed for SITA. Kuchár was reacting press allegations about nominations of several current deputies for the ruling coalition to about 50 vacant diplomatic posts. All considered experts enjoy excellent contacts with the European Commission and the European Parliament, Kuchár responded to the rumor. Many people in Slovakia have realized that Brussels is too big a bite to be chewed. Kuchár said „We are not overrun by candidates.“ Former Slovak Foreign Minister Pavol Hamžík presented the same opinion saying that the Slovak representation in Brussels is professional enough. He says it is necessary to intensify Slovakias preparations for EU entry in all spheres. Ján Figel from the Slovak Democratic Coalition (SDK) recently expressed concerns of the partial character of Slovak diplomacy. He said that the ruling Movement for a Democratic Slovakia is a rich reservoir from this point of view and mentioned Ladislav Lysák, Ján Cuper, Eva Garajová, and Irena Belohorská. He expects the new Slovak diplomats would be appointed in August and September. The Cabinet announced it would dismiss 28 Slovak ambassadors in March this year, calling this move absolutely usual and normal. However, the opposition labeled this step damaging to the foreign interests of Slovakia because the way and circumstances of replacement and appointment of ambassadors is also an expression of respect to partner countries.