In a move that was long-anticipated yet controversial just the same, Ivan Lexa, a close ally of Prime Minister Vladimír Mečiar, was named new director of the Slovak Intelligence Service (SIS) by the cabinet on April 18. The announcement alarmed political rivals, who immediately expressed their fears of political persecution.
Lexa's appointment came six weeks after the resignation of former SIS Director Vladimír Mitro, who quit on March 4 citing discord with Mečiar over the duties and tasks of SIS.
Although Lexa was Mečiar's choice to fill the post, President Michal Kováč has repeatedly described Lexa as corrupt and unsuitable to hold public office.
Vol. 1 No. 5, Apr. 26-May 9, 1995
