President Appoints Miroslav Lorinc as Chief-of-general-staff of Slovak Army

Bratislava, 30 April (TASR) - President Peter Pellegrini appointed Miroslav Lorinc as chief-of-general-staff of the Slovak Armed Forces on Thursday. His nomination was approved by the government on 22 April. He'll replace Daniel Zmeko in the post as of 7 May. The president in his speech thanked Zmeko for his service to date and wished all the best to the incoming chief-of-general-staff. "You are both a guarantee that the Slovak Armed Forces will continue to work and carry out their tasks," he stressed. According to Pellegrini, Slovakia's NATO membership requires Slovakia not only to be a passive recipient of benefits, but also an active part. In connection with Lorinc's appointment, Pellegrini spoke about maintaining continuity. "It's no coincidence that you are coming to lead the Slovak Armed Forces as someone who has gone through all command posts in air defence," he noted. Lorinc expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him. "I assure you that I view the trust placed in me not only as a great honour, but above all as a commitment to our homeland, its citizens, and all members of the Slovak Armed Forces," he said. He's assuming the post with the aim of continuing the established direction and dynamically responding to the current situation. During his term in office, he intends to focus on further stabilising the staff, improving service conditions and completing ongoing modernisation projects. The president awarded the outgoing chief-of-general-staff Lubomír Zmeko a state decoration – the Slovak President's Medal - for significant merits and for his role in the development of defence and security. "I'm proud of the results achieved by the professional soldiers and employees under my command," underlined Zmeko, who pointed to implemented modernisation projects and aid provided to the public in times of crisis. He views Lorinc's selection as the right step. After the government approved Lorinc's nomination, Vice-premier and Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) emphasised his experience and expertise. He also praised his professional qualities in the field of air defence and pointed to the importance of maintaining continuity, as Lorinc had previously served as deputy chief-of-general-staff. Outgoing chief-of-general-staff Zmeko had been in his post since 2018, serving two four-year terms. According to the law on the armed forces, he couldn't run for re-election. The chief-of-general-staff is nominated by the defence minister, his nomination is approved by the government, and he is ultimately appointed to the post by the president. ko/df