Slovakia sends condolences to Paris

Paris has lived through a night of terror and this awful experience has shown us that we as Europe need to be united, said Slovak President Andrej Kiska on Saturday after the terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday evening that claimed the lives of at least 129 persons. "Deepest sympathies to France, which has been so horribly tested by terrorism. We're shocked, sad and outraged. Terrorists have killed again in Paris to spread fear and hatred among the people of Europe. To spread evil and chaos among us," stated Kiska. He emphasized that terrorism can never subvert Europe's freedom and democracy, if Europe is able to jointly and vigorously protect its values. As a sign of expressing deepest sympathies, Kiska lit a candle in front of the French Embassy to Slovakia in Bratislava and has signed the book of condolences. Throughout the weekend, many Slovaks came to bring flowers and light candles in front of the French Embassy in Bratislava. On Saturday night, the Bratislava Castle was lit in the colours of the French national flag. The Presidential Palace also reacted with a gesture in the wake of the tragic events - all flags on the palace's front courtyard have been pulled down to the half mast to show solidarity with the French after the terrorist attacks in Paris. Alternatively, the Saint Martin's Cathedral was submerged in darkness. According to Bratislava mayor Ivo Nesrovnal, it's in memory all the innocent people that fell victim to subversive manifestations of extremism, terrorism and intolerance.