Bahrain condemns attack on Slovak Prime Minister Fico

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain condemned in strongest terms the assassination attempt on Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, wishing him a speedy recovery.

A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed Bahrain’s solidarity with the government of Slovakia and its citizens, emphasising its continued support for Slovakia’s efforts to maintain security and stability.

Reports yesterday said Fico remained in “very serious” condition after a new operation yesterday, two days after an attempted assassination that has plunged the politically polarised nation into uncertainty.

The suspected gunman is to make a first court appearance on Saturday over the near point blank shooting of the 59-yearold Fico as he spoke to members of the public in the central town of Handlova.

“He had an almost two-hourlong operation” on Friday, deputy prime minister Robert Kalinak told reporters outside the hospital in Banska Bystrica where Fico is being treated.

The prime minister underwent five hours of surgery after the shooting and at one stage officials said he was fighting for his life.

“His state is still very serious. I think it would take a couple of days to see the course of the development of his state,” Kalinak added.

Media have identified the suspect as 71-year-old writer Juraj Cintula. They said police searched his home on Friday.

The suspect was charged on Thursday with premeditated attempted murder, in what the authorities have called a politically motivated attack.

The deputy prime minister said that despite Fico’s condition, ministers will continue working “so in no way is the functioning of the country frozen or stopped”. “

The country is stable and also the patient is stable today,” said Kalinak, one of Fico’s closest allies.

Fico, a four-time premier and political veteran, returned to office after winning a legislative election last September. After he was elected, Slovakia stopped sending weapons to Ukraine