SLOVAKIA is prepared to help hundreds of Ukrainian migrants who might need protection, said Prime Minister Robert Fico on February 21 after a meeting of the Security Council. According to him, the officials have not reported an increased number of people near the Slovak borders or an increased number of visa applications, the SITA newswire reported.
“We also tasked Deputy PM Miroslav Lajčák to officially offer to Ukraine medical aid on Slovakia’s territory, if Ukraine will be interested in treating people who were injured,” Fico said, as quoted by SITA. He added that Slovakia will not distinguish whether the injured support the government or the opposition.
Though the situation on the border is calm now, the Interior Ministry has prepared a plan in the case of a higher number of refugees from Ukraine, said Interior Minister Robert Kaliňák, as reported by SITA.
Fico added that he is not afraid that Slovakia will stop receiving strategic raw materials because of the violence.
“Nobody has said that the transport system for gas and oil would have any difficulties because of the situation in Kiev,” Fico said.
Lajčák informed that according to his ministry's information that 11 Slovaks are currently in Ukraine, SITA wrote.
Meanwhile, the People in Peril civic association has announced a public collection titled SOS Ukraine to help people who are in danger because of the growing violence in Ukraine. The association itself has already allocated €500 from the funds of donors. The money will be used to buy medical aid and other things necessary for people affected by the crisis, SITA reported.
On February 20 people gathered in front of the Ukrainian Embassy in Bratislava to light candles to show sympathy for the victims from violent clashes between security forces and demonstrators. Another meeting in front of the embassy is planned to take place on February 21 at 15:00, the Sme daily wrote.
Source: SITA, Sme
Compiled by Radka Minarechová from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
