Slovak diplomacy is working intensively on the safety of its citizens and employees in the Middle East region. Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár (Smer-SD) announced this in response to the escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran.
"In connection with the current situation in the Middle East, Slovakia calls on all interested parties to show maximum restraint and focus on de-escalation through diplomacy and dialogue. The region urgently needs peace and stability," said Blanár.
He explained that no Slovak citizens have yet contacted him or the representative bodies with a request for help. "Slovak citizens are in the Middle East region, these are long-term citizens in mixed marriages, but also tourists on short-term trips," he added.
The Minister also warned that air traffic to some destinations may be disrupted. For example, Israeli airspace has been closed to both incoming and outgoing flights until further notice. "We strongly recommend that our citizens who find themselves in a crisis area avoid mass gatherings, conflict areas and follow the guidelines of local security forces," the head of Slovak diplomacy summarized.
In case of emergency, he recommends contacting the International Operational Crisis Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at +421 2 5978 5978.
The Slovak Police Corps have been taking extraordinary security measures since early Friday morning in response to the attack, the police posted on social media, adding that the public can expect an increased presence of patrols in selected locations.
The police further announced that they are engaged in intensive exchange of information about the attack with other security forces at home and abroad.
Israel attacked the Iranian capital Tehran on Thursday night. It claims that Iran will soon be able to produce a nuclear weapon. In response, Iran said that the attacks confirm its need to advance in uranium enrichment and strengthening its missile arsenal. It announced retaliatory steps. The Israeli military confirmed on Friday morning that it had begun neutralizing Iranian drones that Tehran had sent into its territory.
Source: TASR
