Fico Declares Readiness to Evacuate Slovaks after Airspace Reopens

Bratislava, 1 March (TASR) - Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) has expressed solidarity with all countries targeted by the Iranian retaliatory attack, declaring that Slovakia is ready to evacuate Slovak nationals after no-fly zones are lifted, he told a press conference on Sunday. Fico also gave a special mention to the United Arab Emirates as a country whose leadership strives for stability and peace in the region, while stressing that the Slovak Foreign Ministry's crisis centre is operating around the clock. "Communication with and registration of Slovak nationals in the crisis area are ongoing, alongside efforts to identify others who may require assistance or relevant information," added Fico. According to him, energy prices are likely to surge if the Strait of Hormuz is blocked for a prolonged period while oil transit through Ukraine remains suspended. Referring to the tension escalating in the Middle East, Fico stated yesterday (28 February) that the attack on Iran provides further evidence of the total collapse of the world order and a complete disregard for international law. "The big and powerful do as they please, the UN is impotent, and we, the small nations, can only watch and grumble. We can issue strong diplomatic statements, we can condemn, but that's not going to change anything about the military attack on Iran," he stressed. On Saturday (28 February), following months of escalating tension between Israel and Iran, the United States and Israel launched coordinated air and missile strikes on Iranian military and strategic targets, including areas near the residences of top Iranian officials in Tehran. Blasts were also reported in other Iranian cities such as Qom, Isfahan, and Kermanshah. Iran has responded with massive retaliatory strikes involving missiles and drones against targets in Israel and U.S. military bases in the Middle East. jrg