Reacting to alarming news of fatalities in clashes between Ukrainian security services and protesters in Ukraine, the Sme daily wrote that thus far, no significant flow of Ukrainians have sought to enter Slovakia.
Even after the wave of violence in Kiev and other places in Ukraine surged, there have been no increases in visa applications, the Foreign and European Affairs Ministry told Sme. In January, about 400 fewer applications were filed at the Slovak Embassy in Kiev than in January 2013. The FAM added that there was no reason to make special precaution measures. Slovakia normally gives visa within ten days, in case of emergency even within three days, Sme wrote on February 20.
Beginning this year, there were technical problems with the system of electronic visa bookings at Slovak offices in Ukraine, but ministry assured that the capacity of the system has been increased. Slovak visas allow foreigners to stay in Slovakia for 90 days within a year, with the Interior Ministry having the authority to prolong visa validity. In exceptional cases, also the border police can issue visa, for example for humanitarian reasons.
By noon February 20, more fatalities were reported from Ukraine, with the numbers (and political affiliation of the killed) being disputed by the protesters and the forces of President Viktor Yanukovych, according to the SITA newswire. This happened despite the truce announced earlier by both Yanukovych and opposition leaders.
(Source: TASR)
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
