Slovak parties make push for euro rescue fund compromise

Slovakia's governing parties were scheduled to negotiate a compromise Tuesday for agreeing to expanding the euro rescue fund, as the country is finding itself increasingly isolated within the eurozone, dpa reported.Slovakia and the Netherlands are the only remaining countries in the 17-member currency group that have not yet agreed to an increase of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF). While the Netherlands' approval looks certain, Slovakia's neo-liberal SaS party, which is part of the ruling coalition, has so far withheld its agreement to the EFSF. The fund needs the support of the entire eurozone.Finance Minister Ivan Miklos is aiming for a vote in parliament before a European Union summit on October 17, but the SaS made clear on Tuesday that it was not in a hurry. "The relevant finance committees have time until October 22, to deliberate the necessary amendments," SaS spokeswoman Tatiana Tothova said.