Kiska: I Propose Adopting Join Declaration to Calm Situation after Murders

Kiska: I Propose Adopting Join Declaration to Calm Situation after Murders

Bratislava, March 8 (TASR) – President Andrej Kiska will seek to adopt a joint declaration of the top constitutional officials before their meeting on Friday (March 9) in which the three would commit themselves to adopting necessary measures that would calm down the tense atmosphere in society and end the political crisis following the murders of journalist Jan Kuciak and his girlfriend, TASR learnt on Thursday.

Speaking after a meeting with a special delegation of MEPs who have come to Slovakia to monitor the situation after the double murder, Kiska said that in the declaration the top constitutional officials, namely the president himself, Prime Minister Robert Fico and Parliamentary Chair Andrej Danko, should jointly express deep and real respect for the free exercise of civil rights. They shouldn’t describe peaceful protests of people living in a democratic country as coup attempts managed from abroad or dishonour the protests in any other way.

Kiska added that the exact content of the declaration will be sent to Danko (Slovak National Party/SNS) and Fico (Smer-SD) in the afternoon. “I’m convinced that tomorrow’s meeting will only make sense if it ends with a concrete and comprehensible outcome,” he said.

According to the president, the current crisis of trust in the state requires a clear signal towards the outraged people. “It’s essential to express support and confidence in the law enforcement authorities in connection with the investigation into the murder. As the top constitutional officials, we should also commit ourselves to contributing towards resolving the political crisis and cooling down the situation in our country by our cooperation,” said Kiska.

Regarding the meeting with the special delegation from the European Parliament, Kiska welcomed the EU’s interest in the situation in Slovakia. “I’m glad that our partners care about what is happening in Slovakia and have expressed their sincere interest in helping us to investigate the crime within the scope of what they are able to do. It’s in Slovakia’s interests to clarify the murders of the young people,” said the president.