After Patriot air defence system arrived in Slovakia amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Slovakia has sent its older S-300 system to Ukraine.

Slovakia sends Russian-made S-300 missile system to Ukraine amid Russian invasion

In a big boost to Slovakia's defence, the Patriot air defence system has arrived in Slovakia amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Slovakia has also offered to send its older S-300 system to Ukraine.

Seeking replacements for its S-300, the Patriot air defence system arrives in Slovakia

Slovakia to drop S-300 defence system, needs to 'get rid' of Russian dependence

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Slovakia has offered the S-300 missile defence system to Ukraine. However, Slovakia's offers come with some conditions. Watch this report to know more.

Slovakia offers S-300 to Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

Slovak Republic's state secretary Martin Klus has said that cooperation with India will continue amid the Ukraine war while emphasising on the role played by his country in the evacuation of many Indians.

Many Indians were evacuated from the Slovak Republic as they crossed over from war-torn Ukraine.

Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, state secretary of the ministry of foreign and European affairs of the Slovak Republic, Klus said, “Slovakia has taken extraordinary measures to facilitate the entry of Indian nationals who were fleeing Ukraine. We have also extended maximum support to all repatriated Indians from Slovakia in the last few days. "

Slovakia, along with Poland, Romania, Hungary and Moldova, has&nbsp;played a key role in housing stranded Indians. Under India's ‘Operation Ganga’,&nbsp;ministerial-level envoy Kiren Rijiju was sent to oversee the evacuation from Slovakia, and PM Modi held talks with Slovakia's PM Heger.

Over 20,000 Indians have left Ukraine since the Russian invasion of the country that started in February.

On the Russian invasion, Klus, who is one of the top diplomats of the country, said, "We are facing the greatest security crisis in decades. The threat to Ukraine is a threat to Europe. The unity of the West is of utmost importance. It makes the Russian regime increasingly nervous when considering the calibration of our response towards Russia – the interruption/termination of cooperation."

WION: How is Slovakia helping in the evacuation of Indian citizens from Ukraine?

Martin Klus: The Slovak Republic allows entry to all nationalities coming from Ukraine, even those not complying with entry conditions under regular circumstances. Our ties with India strengthened further recently during the evacuation of Indian nationals from Ukraine via Kosice.

&nbsp;

WION: What kind of coordination has been happening between the 2 countries in terms of political engagement in the aftermath of the war?

Martin Klus: There is no particular future scenario in cooperation with India in terms of political engagement in the aftermath of the war. We must cooperate with India now in the war situation.

Slovakia has taken extraordinary measures to facilitate the entry of Indian nationals, fleeing Ukraine. &nbsp;We have also extended maximum support to all repatriated Indians from Slovakia in the last few days. We stand together with India as friends and partners, and we will give continuous support to Indian nationals in the coming days as well.

These assurances were given by our PM E Heger to Indian PM Modi during their telephonic conversation on February 28. On the other hand, we would like to appeal to all countries to engage against the war and support the UN resolutions, reject illegal Russian actions and express support for territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty.

Slovakia and India are both are fully subscribed to the core principles enshrined in the UN Charter, notably the sovereign equality and territorial integrity of States; the inviolability of internationally recognised borders; refraining from the threat or use of force; and the freedom of States to choose or change their own security arrangements.

These principles are neither negotiable nor subject to revision or re-interpretation.

&nbsp;

WION: How catastrophic has been the Russian invasion of Ukraine for Europe and your country. Especially in terms of refugee influx in your country?

Martin Klus: We are facing the greatest security crisis in decades. The threat to Ukraine is a threat to Europe. Slovakia strongly condemns the armed attack by the Russian Federation on Ukraine. Russia violated the territorial integrity of sovereign Ukraine. This of course brought war back to Europe and brought back very sad images that we thought were forgotten. &nbsp;I sincerely think that Russia’s aggression created a significant shift in European history.

On the one hand, it not only triggered unity amongst European allies, but it also re-connected the democratic world. On the other hand, Ukraine is our neighbour, and it needs our comprehensive support and full-fledged assistance.

Currently, we are seeing an influx of more than 150 000 refugees at our borders. However, we expect the situation to deteriorate. Slovakia is fully aware of this, and we will deliver. Our government has already approved three packages of military assistance worth €8.7 mn and humanitarian aid. We will continue to do our utmost. &nbsp;A humanitarian disaster in Ukraine must be prevented. This is of key importance.

&nbsp;

WION: What efforts Slovakia has been leading to deal with Russia. We have seen sanctions against Putin. How effective they will be?

Martin Klus: The unity of the West is of utmost importance, and it is unprecedented. It works and makes the Russian regime increasingly nervous. When considering the calibration of our response towards Russia – the interruption/termination of cooperation – I understand that when the forest is cut down, branches fly. We have successfully voted against Russia at the UNGA resolution. Russia is still intensively reaching out to countries.

Slovakia was among the countries that appealed to the ICC prosecutor to launch an investigation concerning crimes related to the ongoing conflict. The perpetrators must be brought to justice. We are also imposing heavy and effective sanctions on Russian assets through various European Union mechanisms. I´m very happy that we have targeted not only Russian financial assets, but also persons directly connected to the invasion. Furthermore, we have been able to shut down transmission from Russian channels spreading disinformation and lies.

&nbsp;

WION: How do you see the situation panning out? In terms of its impact in the region.

Martin Klus: Right now, all I can say is that it is very hard to make a prediction of Putin´s aggression and plans. Firstly, we are doing our best with offering the best services to refugees coming to Slovakia from Ukraine. We are in full solidarity with Ukrainians, and we hope the senseless aggression will stop as soon as possible.

Secondly, the Russian aggression only reaffirms the importance of strengthening our defence capabilities. The European Parliament has voted to set up a European Defence Fund, and the member states have created the European Peace Facility that is mobilising to provide weapons to Ukraine. In the coming weeks, the European Council will adopt the Strategic Compass. With the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, we must amplify our reflection, adjust our means and anticipate our responses. It is no longer a luxury, it’s an urgent necessity.

Slovak Republic's state secretary Martin Klus has said that cooperation with India will continue amid the Ukraine war while emphasising on the role played by his country in the evacuation of many Indians.

Slovak Republic's state secretary Martin Klus has said that cooperation with India will continue amid the Ukraine war while emphasising on the role played by his country in the evacuation of many Indians. Many Indians were evacuated from the Slovak Republic as they crossed over from war-torn Ukraine. Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, state secretary of the ministry of foreign and European affairs of the Slovak Republic, Klus said, “Slovakia has taken extraordinary measures to facilitate the entry of Indian nationals who were fleeing Ukraine. We have also extended maximum support to all repatriated Indians from Slovakia in the last few days. " Slovakia, along with Poland, Romania, Hungary and Moldova, has played a key role in housing stranded Indians. Under India's ‘Operation Ganga’, ministerial-level envoy Kiren Rijiju was sent to oversee the evacuation from Slovakia, and PM Modi held talks with Slovakia's PM Heger. Over 20,000 Indians have left Ukraine since the Russian invasion of the country that started in February. On the Russian invasion, Klus, who is one of the top diplomats of the country, said, "We are facing the greatest security crisis in decades. The threat to Ukraine is a threat to Europe. The unity of the West is of utmost importance. It makes the Russian regime increasingly nervous when considering the calibration of our response towards Russia – the interruption/termination of cooperation." WION: How is Slovakia helping in the evacuation of Indian citizens from Ukraine? Martin Klus: The Slovak Republic allows entry to all nationalities coming from Ukraine, even those not complying with entry conditions under regular circumstances. Our ties with India strengthened further recently during the evacuation of Indian nationals from Ukraine via Kosice. WION: What kind of coordination has been happening between the 2 countries in terms of political engagement in the aftermath of the war? Martin Klus: There is no particular future scenario in cooperation with India in terms of political engagement in the aftermath of the war. We must cooperate with India now in the war situation. Slovakia has taken extraordinary measures to facilitate the entry of Indian nationals, fleeing Ukraine. We have also extended maximum support to all repatriated Indians from Slovakia in the last few days. We stand together with India as friends and partners, and we will give continuous support to Indian nationals in the coming days as well. These assurances were given by our PM E Heger to Indian PM Modi during their telephonic conversation on February 28. On the other hand, we would like to appeal to all countries to engage against the war and support the UN resolutions, reject illegal Russian actions and express support for territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty. Slovakia and India are both are fully subscribed to the core principles enshrined in the UN Charter, notably the sovereign equality and territorial integrity of States; the inviolability of internationally recognised borders; refraining from the threat or use of force; and the freedom of States to choose or change their own security arrangements. These principles are neither negotiable nor subject to revision or re-interpretation. WION: How catastrophic has been the Russian invasion of Ukraine for Europe and your country. Especially in terms of refugee influx in your country? Martin Klus: We are facing the greatest security crisis in decades. The threat to Ukraine is a threat to Europe. Slovakia strongly condemns the armed attack by the Russian Federation on Ukraine. Russia violated the territorial integrity of sovereign Ukraine. This of course brought war back to Europe and brought back very sad images that we thought were forgotten. I sincerely think that Russia’s aggression created a significant shift in European history. On the one hand, it not only triggered unity amongst European allies, but it also re-connected the democratic world. On the other hand, Ukraine is our neighbour, and it needs our comprehensive support and full-fledged assistance. Currently, we are seeing an influx of more than 150 000 refugees at our borders. However, we expect the situation to deteriorate. Slovakia is fully aware of this, and we will deliver. Our government has already approved three packages of military assistance worth €8.7 mn and humanitarian aid. We will continue to do our utmost. A humanitarian disaster in Ukraine must be prevented. This is of key importance. WION: What efforts Slovakia has been leading to deal with Russia. We have seen sanctions against Putin. How effective they will be? Martin Klus: The unity of the West is of utmost importance, and it is unprecedented. It works and makes the Russian regime increasingly nervous. When considering the calibration of our response towards Russia – the interruption/termination of cooperation – I understand that when the forest is cut down, branches fly. We have successfully voted against Russia at the UNGA resolution. Russia is still intensively reaching out to countries. Slovakia was among the countries that appealed to the ICC prosecutor to launch an investigation concerning crimes related to the ongoing conflict. The perpetrators must be brought to justice. We are also imposing heavy and effective sanctions on Russian assets through various European Union mechanisms. I´m very happy that we have targeted not only Russian financial assets, but also persons directly connected to the invasion. Furthermore, we have been able to shut down transmission from Russian channels spreading disinformation and lies. WION: How do you see the situation panning out? In terms of its impact in the region. Martin Klus: Right now, all I can say is that it is very hard to make a prediction of Putin´s aggression and plans. Firstly, we are doing our best with offering the best services to refugees coming to Slovakia from Ukraine. We are in full solidarity with Ukrainians, and we hope the senseless aggression will stop as soon as possible. Secondly, the Russian aggression only reaffirms the importance of strengthening our defence capabilities. The European Parliament has voted to set up a European Defence Fund, and the member states have created the European Peace Facility that is mobilising to provide weapons to Ukraine. In the coming weeks, the European Council will adopt the Strategic Compass. With the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, we must amplify our reflection, adjust our means and anticipate our responses. It is no longer a luxury, it’s an urgent necessity.

‘Must cooperate with India now in the war situation’, says top Slovak diplomat Martin Klus

China, on Friday, warned Slovakia and Czech Republic ahead of a visit to both countries by Taiwan's foreign minister next week. Beijing said that nobody should harbour any illusions about "necessary measures" China would take to defend its sovereignty.

China, which claims democratically-ruled Taiwan as its own territory, is always angered by visits of senior Taiwanese officials to other countries, viewing it as covert support for the island's claims to be a state.

Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu is due to visit Slovakia and Czech Republic next week. In Slovakia, He will first attend a forum organised by a local think tank. He will go to Prague and will meet Milos Vystrcil, speaker of Czech parliament's upper house.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said they would be watching Wu's "scuttling about" closely.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-compromise-on-sovereignty-act-with-caution-over-taiwan-china-warns-us-422916">'No compromise on sovereignty, act with caution over Taiwan': China warns US</a>

Asked if China will make steps against the Czechs and Slovaks, he said China "will take proper and necessary measures to firmly defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. No one should have illusions about this".

Wang did not elaborate.

China is already in a dispute with Lithuania after it agreed with Taiwan to open de facto embassies in each other's capitals.

Both China and Lithuania have recalled their envoys to the respective countries.

Taiwan has diplomatic ties with no European countries apart from the Vatican City.

Due to Chinese pressure many countries are unwilling to host senior Taiwanese ministers, though Wu visited Denmark in 2019 to speak at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit.

China has ramped up its military and diplomatic pressure against Taiwan to force it to accept Chinese sovereignty.

Taiwan says it is an independent country with a right to be treated as such internationally, and that it will defend itself from China if attacked.

(With inputs from agencies)

China, on Friday, warned Slovakia and Czech Republic ahead of a visit to both countries by Taiwan's foreign minister next week. Beijing said that nobody should harbour any illusions about "necessary measures" China would take to defend its sovereignty.

China, on Friday, warned Slovakia and Czech Republic ahead of a visit to both countries by Taiwan's foreign minister next week. Beijing said that nobody should harbour any illusions about "necessary measures" China would take to defend its sovereignty. China, which claims democratically-ruled Taiwan as its own territory, is always angered by visits of senior Taiwanese officials to other countries, viewing it as covert support for the island's claims to be a state. Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu is due to visit Slovakia and Czech Republic next week. In Slovakia, He will first attend a forum organised by a local think tank. He will go to Prague and will meet Milos Vystrcil, speaker of Czech parliament's upper house. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said they would be watching Wu's "scuttling about" closely. Also Read | 'No compromise on sovereignty, act with caution over Taiwan': China warns US Asked if China will make steps against the Czechs and Slovaks, he said China "will take proper and necessary measures to firmly defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. No one should have illusions about this". Wang did not elaborate. China is already in a dispute with Lithuania after it agreed with Taiwan to open de facto embassies in each other's capitals. Both China and Lithuania have recalled their envoys to the respective countries. Taiwan has diplomatic ties with no European countries apart from the Vatican City. Due to Chinese pressure many countries are unwilling to host senior Taiwanese ministers, though Wu visited Denmark in 2019 to speak at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit. China has ramped up its military and diplomatic pressure against Taiwan to force it to accept Chinese sovereignty. Taiwan says it is an independent country with a right to be treated as such internationally, and that it will defend itself from China if attacked. (With inputs from agencies)

China warns Slovakia, Czech Republic over Taiwan minister visit

Emil Forsberg scored Sweden`s first goal of the Euro 2020 from the penalty spot as they edged out Slovakia 1-0 to boost their qualification hopes from Group E on Friday. 
 
In a game which was short of clear-cut chances, Slovakia goalkeeper Martin Dubravka conceded a penalty in the second half when he tripped up Robin Quaison and RB Leipzig winger Forsberg made no mistake in beating him from the spot. 
 
Sweden top the group with four points from two games, one ahead of Slovakia. Spain (one point) play bottom side Poland on Saturday while the final round of fixtures -- Sweden v Poland and Slovakia v Spain -- will be played on Wednesday. 
 
Both teams threatened to score from set pieces early in the first half but Slovakia`s Juraj Kucka and Sweden`s Mikael Lustig saw their headers sail over the bar. 
 
Sweden were compact at the back, as they were against Spain in their goalless opener, and it was centre back Victor Lindelof who was initiating their attacks with his distribution from a high defensive line, which was at times camped in Slovakia`s half. 
 
Slovakia switched to a five-man defence when they were out of possession, frustrating the Swedes who were unable to string passes in the final third while Slovakia`s defence easily won the aerial duels. 
 
Slovakia eventually made inroads into the final third towards the end of the first half as Sweden retreated but they lacked the creativity to make the final pass count and the first 45 minutes ended with neither goalkeeper tested. 
 
ISAK RUNS THE SHOW 
 
Sweden started the second half on the front foot, with Alexander Isak and Forsberg having shots blocked in the first two minutes. 
 
At the other end, Ondrej Duda found space to pull the trigger at the edge of the box but saw his shot fly inches over the crossbar. 
 
Sweden`s Ludwig Augustinsson brought the crowd to life at the hour mark when he directed a powerful header on target but he was denied by a fine reflex save from Dubravka, who tipped it over the bar. 
 
Isak turned things up a notch, leaping high to win a header which drifted agonisingly over before his nifty footwork allowed him to make solo run from his own half past three defenders to curl an effort that was parried away by Dubravka. 
 
The 21-year-old Isak then turned provider which proved fruitful when he released substitute Quaison, who drew a foul from Dubravka in the box and Forsberg stepped up to convert the penalty and seal the three points.

Emil Forsberg scored Sweden`s first goal of the Euro 2020 from the penalty spot as they edged out Slovakia 1-0 to boost their qualification hopes from Group E on Friday.

Emil Forsberg scored Sweden`s first goal of the Euro 2020 from the penalty spot as they edged out Slovakia 1-0 to boost their qualification hopes from Group E on Friday. In a game which was short of clear-cut chances, Slovakia goalkeeper Martin Dubravka conceded a penalty in the second half when he tripped up Robin Quaison and RB Leipzig winger Forsberg made no mistake in beating him from the spot. Sweden top the group with four points from two games, one ahead of Slovakia. Spain (one point) play bottom side Poland on Saturday while the final round of fixtures -- Sweden v Poland and Slovakia v Spain -- will be played on Wednesday. Both teams threatened to score from set pieces early in the first half but Slovakia`s Juraj Kucka and Sweden`s Mikael Lustig saw their headers sail over the bar. Sweden were compact at the back, as they were against Spain in their goalless opener, and it was centre back Victor Lindelof who was initiating their attacks with his distribution from a high defensive line, which was at times camped in Slovakia`s half. Slovakia switched to a five-man defence when they were out of possession, frustrating the Swedes who were unable to string passes in the final third while Slovakia`s defence easily won the aerial duels. Slovakia eventually made inroads into the final third towards the end of the first half as Sweden retreated but they lacked the creativity to make the final pass count and the first 45 minutes ended with neither goalkeeper tested. ISAK RUNS THE SHOW Sweden started the second half on the front foot, with Alexander Isak and Forsberg having shots blocked in the first two minutes. At the other end, Ondrej Duda found space to pull the trigger at the edge of the box but saw his shot fly inches over the crossbar. Sweden`s Ludwig Augustinsson brought the crowd to life at the hour mark when he directed a powerful header on target but he was denied by a fine reflex save from Dubravka, who tipped it over the bar. Isak turned things up a notch, leaping high to win a header which drifted agonisingly over before his nifty footwork allowed him to make solo run from his own half past three defenders to curl an effort that was parried away by Dubravka. The 21-year-old Isak then turned provider which proved fruitful when he released substitute Quaison, who drew a foul from Dubravka in the box and Forsberg stepped up to convert the penalty and seal the three points.

Euro 2020: Forsberg fires Sweden to 1-0 victory over Slovakia

Russia on Wednesday ordered the expulsion of seven diplomats from Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, in retaliation for the expulsion of Russian envoys in the wake of Czech accusations that Russian intelligence was behind a deadly 2014 blast. &nbsp;

Moscow and Prague are locked in their biggest row since the end of the Communist era in 1989, which has spiralled into a series of diplomatic disputes with other European Union and NATO countries as Russia's ties with the West linger at post-Cold War lows.&nbsp;

Russia's foreign ministry gave the three Slovak and two Lithuanian diplomats, as well as an envoy from Latvia and another from Estonia, one week to leave Russia.&nbsp;

Russia accused the four countries of showing 'pseudo-solidarity' with the Czech Republic, which ordered most Russian diplomatic staff in Prague to leave last week after accusing Russian spies of being behind the blast at an ammunition depot. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Bulgaria said on Wednesday prosecutors were collecting evidence on the possible involvement of six Russians in four explosions between 2011 and 2020 at Bulgarian arms depots that were storing munitions destined for export to Ukraine and Georgia.&nbsp;

Russia has branded the Czech accusations absurd and dismissed the Bulgarian probe.&nbsp;

Moscow's latest diplomatic expulsions come days after President Vladimir Putin ordered the government to draw up a list of 'unfriendly' states that will be subject to restrictions.&nbsp;

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday the list would soon be published. The ministry's spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, has already confirmed the United States would be on it. &nbsp;

Izvestia newspaper reported on Tuesday that the list could also include Poland, the Czech Republic and the three Baltic states. &nbsp;

The two suspects named by Czech authorities in the 2014 ammunition depot explosion, known under the aliases Ruslan Boshirov and Alexander Petrov, were reported by the New York Times in 2019 to be part of the elite Unit 29155 in Russia's GRU military intelligence service. &nbsp;

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said after its publication that the article amounted to 'pulp fiction'.&nbsp;

Britain charged the pair in absentia with attempted murder after the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter with the nerve agent Novichok in the English city of Salisbury in 2018. Russia denied involvement in that incident.&nbsp;

Russia on Wednesday ordered the expulsion of seven diplomats from Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, in retaliation for the expulsion of Russian envoys in the wake of Czech accusations that Russian intelligence was behind a deadly 2014 blast.

Russia on Wednesday ordered the expulsion of seven diplomats from Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, in retaliation for the expulsion of Russian envoys in the wake of Czech accusations that Russian intelligence was behind a deadly 2014 blast. Moscow and Prague are locked in their biggest row since the end of the Communist era in 1989, which has spiralled into a series of diplomatic disputes with other European Union and NATO countries as Russia's ties with the West linger at post-Cold War lows. Russia's foreign ministry gave the three Slovak and two Lithuanian diplomats, as well as an envoy from Latvia and another from Estonia, one week to leave Russia. Russia accused the four countries of showing 'pseudo-solidarity' with the Czech Republic, which ordered most Russian diplomatic staff in Prague to leave last week after accusing Russian spies of being behind the blast at an ammunition depot. Meanwhile, Bulgaria said on Wednesday prosecutors were collecting evidence on the possible involvement of six Russians in four explosions between 2011 and 2020 at Bulgarian arms depots that were storing munitions destined for export to Ukraine and Georgia. Russia has branded the Czech accusations absurd and dismissed the Bulgarian probe. Moscow's latest diplomatic expulsions come days after President Vladimir Putin ordered the government to draw up a list of 'unfriendly' states that will be subject to restrictions. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday the list would soon be published. The ministry's spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, has already confirmed the United States would be on it. Izvestia newspaper reported on Tuesday that the list could also include Poland, the Czech Republic and the three Baltic states. The two suspects named by Czech authorities in the 2014 ammunition depot explosion, known under the aliases Ruslan Boshirov and Alexander Petrov, were reported by the New York Times in 2019 to be part of the elite Unit 29155 in Russia's GRU military intelligence service. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said after its publication that the article amounted to 'pulp fiction'. Britain charged the pair in absentia with attempted murder after the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter with the nerve agent Novichok in the English city of Salisbury in 2018. Russia denied involvement in that incident.

Russia expels diplomats from Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia 

Slovak Prime Minister Igor Matovic announced on Sunday that he intended to resign after coming under intense pressure over the coronavirus crisis but said he wanted to stay in the government as finance minister.

Matovic, whose decision to buy Russian vaccines has been hugely controversial, did not specify when he would resign and said he wanted the current finance minister, Eduard Heger, to replace him.

"We will exchange our posts with minister of finance, Eduard Heger... He is a good man and all of us can trust him," Matovic told reporters in the latest twist in a weeks-long crisis triggered by the pandemic.

Heger, 44, is a former businessman and also worked as a consultant for the Ministry of Defence.

He became minister of finance in March 2020 when his and Matovic's OLaNO party won a general election.

Heger is currently also the acting health minister.

Relatively spared at the start of the pandemic, Slovakia's healthcare system has struggled during the third wave of the virus and the country has one of the highest Covid death rates in the world per capita.

Six ministers, including the health minister, have left the 16-member cabinet and one party has said it is leaving the four-party governing coalition unless Matovic quits the government entirely.

Matovic, a former businessman in the publishing industry, came to power last year after beating the governing populists on an anti-corruption platform.

While supporters view him as a maverick with a knack for self-promotion, critics accuse Matovic of being an unpredictable, attention-seeking control freak.

During the pandemic in Slovakia, a eurozone country of 5.4 million people, Matovic's critics have accused him of poor communication and political missteps.

But his decision to buy Sputnik V vaccines has proved particularly divisive, with the former foreign minister Ivan Korcok calling the jabs "a hybrid war tool".

Opinion polls from March 21 suggested that more than 80 percent of Slovaks agreed that Matovic should resign.

President Zuzana Caputova last week joined calls for Matovic to resign, saying it was "essential" that he step down to end the political crisis.

Matovic would have to formally announce his resignation before Caputova can ask Heger to form a government.

Heger would then need to build consensus behind his candidacy within the coalition and then seek the approval of parliament in a confidence vote. 
&nbsp;

Slovak Prime Minister Igor Matovic announced on Sunday that he intended to resign after coming under intense pressure over the coronavirus crisis but said he wanted to stay in the government as finance minister.

Slovak Prime Minister Igor Matovic announced on Sunday that he intended to resign after coming under intense pressure over the coronavirus crisis but said he wanted to stay in the government as finance minister. Matovic, whose decision to buy Russian vaccines has been hugely controversial, did not specify when he would resign and said he wanted the current finance minister, Eduard Heger, to replace him. "We will exchange our posts with minister of finance, Eduard Heger... He is a good man and all of us can trust him," Matovic told reporters in the latest twist in a weeks-long crisis triggered by the pandemic. Heger, 44, is a former businessman and also worked as a consultant for the Ministry of Defence. He became minister of finance in March 2020 when his and Matovic's OLaNO party won a general election. Heger is currently also the acting health minister. Relatively spared at the start of the pandemic, Slovakia's healthcare system has struggled during the third wave of the virus and the country has one of the highest Covid death rates in the world per capita. Six ministers, including the health minister, have left the 16-member cabinet and one party has said it is leaving the four-party governing coalition unless Matovic quits the government entirely. Matovic, a former businessman in the publishing industry, came to power last year after beating the governing populists on an anti-corruption platform. While supporters view him as a maverick with a knack for self-promotion, critics accuse Matovic of being an unpredictable, attention-seeking control freak. During the pandemic in Slovakia, a eurozone country of 5.4 million people, Matovic's critics have accused him of poor communication and political missteps. But his decision to buy Sputnik V vaccines has proved particularly divisive, with the former foreign minister Ivan Korcok calling the jabs "a hybrid war tool". Opinion polls from March 21 suggested that more than 80 percent of Slovaks agreed that Matovic should resign. President Zuzana Caputova last week joined calls for Matovic to resign, saying it was "essential" that he step down to end the political crisis. Matovic would have to formally announce his resignation before Caputova can ask Heger to form a government. Heger would then need to build consensus behind his candidacy within the coalition and then seek the approval of parliament in a confidence vote.

Slovak PM says he will resign to end political crisis

Nearly half of Slovakia’s entire population took Covid-19 swabs on Saturday, the first day of a two-day nationwide testing drive the government hopes will help reverse a surge in infections without a hard lockdown.

The scheme, a first for a country of Slovakia’s size, is being watched by other nations looking for ways to slow the virus spread and avoid overwhelming their health systems.

The defence minister, Jaroslav Naď said on Sunday 2.58 million Slovaks had taken a test on Saturday, and 25,850 or 1% tested positive and had to go into quarantine.

The EU country has a population 5.5 million and aims to test as many people as possible, except for children under 10.

More than 40,000 medics and support teams of soldiers, police, administrative workers and volunteers staffed about 5,000 sites to administer the antigen swab tests. The testing was free and voluntary, but the government has said it will impose a lockdown on those who do not participate, including a ban on going to work.

The prime minister, Igor Matovič, apologised for putting pressure on people to take part, but said the requirement was justified. “Freedom must go together with responsibility toward those who ... are the weakest among us, oncology patients, old people, people with other diseases,” he told a news conference.

Slovakia had relatively few cases in the spring and summer after swiftly imposing restrictions. But infections have soared in recent weeks, raising concerns the country may follow the Czech Republic, which has the highest two-week death rate in Europe.

The scheme has faced opposition from some experts who doubted it made sense as an one-off measure, or pointed to the antigen tests used, which are less accurate than the laboratory PCR tests and may thus return more false negatives and false positives.

The government is planning a second round of testing next weekend.

On Sunday, Slovakia reported 2,282 new cases through PCR tests, putting the total at 59,946, not including those identified in the nationwide scheme, and 219 deaths to date.

Nearly half of Slovakia’s entire population took Covid-19 swabs on Saturday, the first day of a two-day nationwide testing drive the government hopes will help reverse a surge in infections without a hard lockdown.

Nearly half of Slovakia’s entire population took Covid-19 swabs on Saturday, the first day of a two-day nationwide testing drive the government hopes will help reverse a surge in infections without a hard lockdown. The scheme, a first for a country of Slovakia’s size, is being watched by other nations looking for ways to slow the virus spread and avoid overwhelming their health systems. The defence minister, Jaroslav Naď said on Sunday 2.58 million Slovaks had taken a test on Saturday, and 25,850 or 1% tested positive and had to go into quarantine. The EU country has a population 5.5 million and aims to test as many people as possible, except for children under 10. More than 40,000 medics and support teams of soldiers, police, administrative workers and volunteers staffed about 5,000 sites to administer the antigen swab tests. The testing was free and voluntary, but the government has said it will impose a lockdown on those who do not participate, including a ban on going to work. The prime minister, Igor Matovič, apologised for putting pressure on people to take part, but said the requirement was justified. “Freedom must go together with responsibility toward those who ... are the weakest among us, oncology patients, old people, people with other diseases,” he told a news conference. Slovakia had relatively few cases in the spring and summer after swiftly imposing restrictions. But infections have soared in recent weeks, raising concerns the country may follow the Czech Republic, which has the highest two-week death rate in Europe. The scheme has faced opposition from some experts who doubted it made sense as an one-off measure, or pointed to the antigen tests used, which are less accurate than the laboratory PCR tests and may thus return more false negatives and false positives. The government is planning a second round of testing next weekend. On Sunday, Slovakia reported 2,282 new cases through PCR tests, putting the total at 59,946, not including those identified in the nationwide scheme, and 219 deaths to date.

Half of Slovakia's population tests for coronavirus in one day; 25,850 test positive

Skies in Slovakia saw a convertible car that flew 1,500 feet in the air and the video of this flying car is garnering a lot of attention on the social media.&nbsp;

The car-cum-airplane is named as Air Car and has been manufactured by Slovakian firm KleinVision.

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The video in which Air Car has been shown driving on a runway and transforming into a plane as it takes off is making rounds on social media.&nbsp;

"The fifth generation flying car designed by Professor Stefan Klein completed two 1500′ AGL flights at Piestany airport in Slovakia this week. The model safely achieved two full airport patterns, including two takeoffs and landings," said an official release, as quoted by The Indian Express.&nbsp;

"Powered by a BMW 1.6l engine, the car-plane has an effective power output of 140HP. Estimated travel range of AirCar is 1,000km and flight consumption of 18 l/h."

The developers said the car is suited for self-driven journeys or as a private taxi service.&nbsp;

The company's website says the flying prototype of the car was revealed to the general public in November 2019 at the China International Import (CIIE) in Shanghai.

Earlier, companies like AeroMobil have also come up with similar cars.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Skies in Slovakia saw a convertible car that flew 1,500 feet in the air and the video of this flying car is garnering a lot of attention on the social media. The car-cum-airplane is named as Air Car and has been manufactured by Slovakian firm KleinVision.

Skies in Slovakia saw a convertible car that flew 1,500 feet in the air and the video of this flying car is garnering a lot of attention on the social media. The car-cum-airplane is named as Air Car and has been manufactured by Slovakian firm KleinVision. Watch | × The video in which Air Car has been shown driving on a runway and transforming into a plane as it takes off is making rounds on social media. "The fifth generation flying car designed by Professor Stefan Klein completed two 1500′ AGL flights at Piestany airport in Slovakia this week. The model safely achieved two full airport patterns, including two takeoffs and landings," said an official release, as quoted by The Indian Express. "Powered by a BMW 1.6l engine, the car-plane has an effective power output of 140HP. Estimated travel range of AirCar is 1,000km and flight consumption of 18 l/h." The developers said the car is suited for self-driven journeys or as a private taxi service. The company's website says the flying prototype of the car was revealed to the general public in November 2019 at the China International Import (CIIE) in Shanghai. Earlier, companies like AeroMobil have also come up with similar cars.

Watch | Skies in Slovakia see car transforming into airplane

The coronavirus pandemic is not coming to an end, and that is being understood by the governments of majority of countries. One such country has decided to increase its preparedness against a possible second wave by making sure that all citizens are tested for the virus.

Slovakia, a European country, announced on Saturday that all residents&nbsp;aged 10 years and over will be given the&nbsp; opportunity to&nbsp;go through a coronavirus test.

The announcement was made by the&nbsp;Slovakian Prime Minister Igor Matovic on Saturday, the local news channels reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-party-paris-streets-deserted-on-saturday-night-as-curfew-kicks-in-336132">Also read|&nbsp;No party: Paris streets deserted on Saturday night as curfew kicks in</a>

This decision has been taken after the country observed a massive surge in the number of coronavirus cases throughout the country. The government said they believe mass testing will help identify and contain the spread of the virus.

“I’m afraid that the current protective measures have thus been rendered useless,” Matovic said. “At any rate, this mass testing cannot hurt, it can only help us.”&nbsp;

Matovic also said that if&nbsp;widespread testing does not happen, he will resign from his post.

The test will be free of charge and will begin next weekend and should continue for the next weekend too. The campaign will cater to almost&nbsp;5.4 million residents of the country. However, it is not yet clear if getting tested is compulsory or not.

The coronavirus pandemic is not coming to an end, and that is being understood by the governments of majority of countries. One such country has decided to increase its preparedness against a possible second wave by making sure that all citizens are tested for the virus.

The coronavirus pandemic is not coming to an end, and that is being understood by the governments of majority of countries. One such country has decided to increase its preparedness against a possible second wave by making sure that all citizens are tested for the virus. Slovakia, a European country, announced on Saturday that all residents aged 10 years and over will be given the opportunity to go through a coronavirus test. The announcement was made by the Slovakian Prime Minister Igor Matovic on Saturday, the local news channels reported. Also read| No party: Paris streets deserted on Saturday night as curfew kicks in This decision has been taken after the country observed a massive surge in the number of coronavirus cases throughout the country. The government said they believe mass testing will help identify and contain the spread of the virus. “I’m afraid that the current protective measures have thus been rendered useless,” Matovic said. “At any rate, this mass testing cannot hurt, it can only help us.” Matovic also said that if widespread testing does not happen, he will resign from his post. The test will be free of charge and will begin next weekend and should continue for the next weekend too. The campaign will cater to almost 5.4 million residents of the country. However, it is not yet clear if getting tested is compulsory or not.

This European country has decided to test all citizens for COVID-19

Russia on Monday said that it was expelling three diplomats from the Slovak embassy in Moscow in a tit-for-tat move after the Slovakian government forced out three Russians amidst a growing diplomatic tiff with Europe.

Russia on Monday said that it was expelling three diplomats from the Slovak embassy in Moscow in a tit-for-tat move after the Slovakian government forced out three Russians amidst a growing diplomatic tiff with Europe. Also read: EU offers 400 million euros to WHO-led COVID-19 vaccine initiative In a statement given by the Russian foreign ministry said: "The Russian side, guided by the principle of reciprocity, decided to expel... three diplomatic staff of the Slovak Embassy in Moscow." On August 10, Slovakia announced that it was removing three Russian embassy staff over what it said was "serious crime," with local media citing a possible link with the killing of a former Chechen rebel in a Berlin park last year. Also read: Israeli and US officials to fly to UAE to cement 'normalisation' deal According to German prosecutors, the Russians ordered the killing of Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a 40-year-old Georgian national who was shot twice in the head at close range last year. Russian foreign ministry called Slovakia's move to remove their diplomatic staff as an "unfriendly step" that contradicted the "traditional spirit" of shared ties. This is the third time in a week that Russia has expelled European diplomats. On Friday, a Norwegian diplomat was forced to leave Russia in response to Norway's removal of a Russian diplomat over activities "not compatible with his status." On August 24, an Austrian diplomat was expelled from Russia in another tit-for-tat move following espionage allegations from Vienna. In June, Russia sent home two Czech diplomats, retaliating over the expulsion of two of its embassy workers from Prague for spreading rumours of a poisoning plot. (Inputs from AFP)

Russia expels diplomats from the Slovak embassy in a tit-for-tat move

Slovak opposition led by the Ordinary People party (OLANO) won an emphatic victory in the country's parliamentary election, as voters angry with graft routed the ruling centre-left Smer that has dominated the political scene for over a decade.

Results from 96.16% of voting districts showed on Sunday that OLANO, a politically amorphous, pro-European Union and pro-NATO movement focused on fighting corruption, took 24.95% of the vote, far ahead of the ruling Smer with 18.5%.

Support for OLANO surged in recent weeks, from less than 6% late last year, concentrating a protest vote fed by the murder of an investigative journalist and his fiancée two years ago.

Seats won by other liberal and conservative parties gave OLANO a strong position to lead negotiations to form a new centre-right government.

OLANO leader Igor Matovic has pledged to clean up politics, an ambition encapsulated in his party's slogan: "Let's Beat the Mafia Together".

"We take the result as a request from people who want us to clean up Slovakia. To make Slovakia a just country, where the law applies to everybody regardless if he is rich or poor," Matovic said after most of the votes were counted.

Matovic said he would reach out to leaders of three other parties - the liberal Freedom and Solidarity, the conservative For the People of former president Andrej Kiska, and the socially conservative, eurosceptic We Are Family - to form an alliance that would have constitutional majority of over 90 seats in the 150-seat parliament.

Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini from Smer acknowledged defeat and said the party's run in the office, for 12 out of the past 14 years, may be over.

"A probable departure of our party into opposition is not such a surprise," Pellegrini told reporters.

Smer scored its worst result since 2002. Its nationalist and Hungarian minority allies did not win any seats, the first time in decades that Hungarians will not be represented.

The political shift in the eurozone member state, which has avoided fights with Brussels unlike its central European Visegrad Group neighbours Hungary and Poland, started with the 2018 murder of journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée.

An investigation unearthed communications between a businessman now on trial for ordering the hit and politicians and judicial officials. The defendant has denied the charges.

The killing led to the biggest street protests in the post-communist era, forcing Smer leader Robert Fico to resign, though his party held on to power.

Matovic, 46, told Reuters last week he wanted to be a conciliatory voice toward the EU within Visegrad.

The former owner of regional newspapers and a lawmaker since 2010, Matovic calls himself a social conservative and economic liberal but refuses to pin down OLANO on the left-right or liberal-conservative scale.

In the European Parliament, OLANO is aligned with the centre-right European People's Party.

"I would like to send a positive signal," Matovic said, adding that he did not want European partners to feel Slovakia was a corrupt place "where journalists and their fiancees are murdered just because someone unearthed corruption".

He said he would strive for better education for the underprivileged Roma minority, and wanted the Roma, Hungarian and Ruthenian minorities to feel equal.

Predictions that the far-right, anti-EU and anti-NATO People's Party could make strong gains were not borne out and the party won just over 8%

Slovak opposition led by the Ordinary People party (OLANO) won an emphatic victory in the country's parliamentary election, as voters angry with graft routed the ruling centre-left Smer that has dominated the political scene for over a decade.

Slovak opposition led by the Ordinary People party (OLANO) won an emphatic victory in the country's parliamentary election, as voters angry with graft routed the ruling centre-left Smer that has dominated the political scene for over a decade. Results from 96.16% of voting districts showed on Sunday that OLANO, a politically amorphous, pro-European Union and pro-NATO movement focused on fighting corruption, took 24.95% of the vote, far ahead of the ruling Smer with 18.5%. Support for OLANO surged in recent weeks, from less than 6% late last year, concentrating a protest vote fed by the murder of an investigative journalist and his fiancée two years ago. Seats won by other liberal and conservative parties gave OLANO a strong position to lead negotiations to form a new centre-right government. OLANO leader Igor Matovic has pledged to clean up politics, an ambition encapsulated in his party's slogan: "Let's Beat the Mafia Together". "We take the result as a request from people who want us to clean up Slovakia. To make Slovakia a just country, where the law applies to everybody regardless if he is rich or poor," Matovic said after most of the votes were counted. Matovic said he would reach out to leaders of three other parties - the liberal Freedom and Solidarity, the conservative For the People of former president Andrej Kiska, and the socially conservative, eurosceptic We Are Family - to form an alliance that would have constitutional majority of over 90 seats in the 150-seat parliament. Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini from Smer acknowledged defeat and said the party's run in the office, for 12 out of the past 14 years, may be over. "A probable departure of our party into opposition is not such a surprise," Pellegrini told reporters. Smer scored its worst result since 2002. Its nationalist and Hungarian minority allies did not win any seats, the first time in decades that Hungarians will not be represented. The political shift in the eurozone member state, which has avoided fights with Brussels unlike its central European Visegrad Group neighbours Hungary and Poland, started with the 2018 murder of journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée. An investigation unearthed communications between a businessman now on trial for ordering the hit and politicians and judicial officials. The defendant has denied the charges. The killing led to the biggest street protests in the post-communist era, forcing Smer leader Robert Fico to resign, though his party held on to power. Matovic, 46, told Reuters last week he wanted to be a conciliatory voice toward the EU within Visegrad. The former owner of regional newspapers and a lawmaker since 2010, Matovic calls himself a social conservative and economic liberal but refuses to pin down OLANO on the left-right or liberal-conservative scale. In the European Parliament, OLANO is aligned with the centre-right European People's Party. "I would like to send a positive signal," Matovic said, adding that he did not want European partners to feel Slovakia was a corrupt place "where journalists and their fiancees are murdered just because someone unearthed corruption". He said he would strive for better education for the underprivileged Roma minority, and wanted the Roma, Hungarian and Ruthenian minorities to feel equal. Predictions that the far-right, anti-EU and anti-NATO People's Party could make strong gains were not borne out and the party won just over 8%

Slovak anti-corruption opposition parties score emphatic election win

A Slovak businessman and three others appeared in court for the first time on Thursday to face charges over the murder of an investigative journalist and his fiancée, a case that triggered mass protests against corruption.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-slovaks-protest-government-despite-new-pm-36123">Jan Kuciak and Martina Kusnirova</a>, both 27, were gunned down in their house outside the capital Bratislava in 2018.

As she arrived in court, Kusnirova's mother demanded that Kuciak's unfinished investigations be resolved.

Prosecutors say entrepreneur <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slovakia-set-to-elect-anti-graft-lawyer-as-first-female-president-206871">Marian Kocner</a>, a subject of Kuciak’s reporting on fraud cases involving politically connected businessmen, had contracted his killing.

The murders stoked public anger over perceived corruption in Slovakia, forcing Prime Minister Robert to resign. His Smer party faces a tight election on February 29.

The case is a test of Slovak police and judicial independence given that the investigation exposed business and personal links between Kocner and police and public officials.

"We will be satisfied only when all the cases Jan wrote about are solved. Then their deaths will make at least some sense. It’s not enough to convict the murderers," Zlatica Kusnirova told reporters as she entered the Special Criminal Court in Pezinok near the capital Bratislava.

At Thursday's hearing judges will either set the date for the trial or ask prosecutors to submit more evidence.

Guards in balaclavas and bearing automatic rifles led the handcuffed defendants into a courtroom.

At the start of the hearing, the prosecutor and all defendants including two men who allegedly carried out the murder and a woman accused of being an intermediary said no when asked by the judge if they wanted a deal for a reduced sentence in exchange for confession.

Alena Zsuzsova, who prosecutors say was an intermediary, said: "I am not interested, I am innocent."

All face up to life in prison if convicted.

The court may impose a reduced sentence if they confess during the main trial. Slovak media and Kuciak's family lawyer have said one the defendants had admitted during the investigation to be the shooter.

A fifth man has confessed to facilitating the killing and has made a plea deal with prosecutors to act as a witness.

Prosecutors said in August they had extracted tens of thousands of messages from Kocner’s phone containing communication with "representatives of state bodies and the justice system".

The revelations caused several senior officials to resign. Slovakia's former chief prosecutor was charged with abuse of power in a case also involving Kocner.

A Slovak businessman and three others appeared in court for the first time on Thursday to face charges over the murder of an investigative journalist and his fiancée, a case that triggered mass protests against corruption.

A Slovak businessman and three others appeared in court for the first time on Thursday to face charges over the murder of an investigative journalist and his fiancée, a case that triggered mass protests against corruption. Jan Kuciak and Martina Kusnirova, both 27, were gunned down in their house outside the capital Bratislava in 2018. As she arrived in court, Kusnirova's mother demanded that Kuciak's unfinished investigations be resolved. Prosecutors say entrepreneur Marian Kocner, a subject of Kuciak’s reporting on fraud cases involving politically connected businessmen, had contracted his killing. The murders stoked public anger over perceived corruption in Slovakia, forcing Prime Minister Robert to resign. His Smer party faces a tight election on February 29. The case is a test of Slovak police and judicial independence given that the investigation exposed business and personal links between Kocner and police and public officials. "We will be satisfied only when all the cases Jan wrote about are solved. Then their deaths will make at least some sense. It’s not enough to convict the murderers," Zlatica Kusnirova told reporters as she entered the Special Criminal Court in Pezinok near the capital Bratislava. At Thursday's hearing judges will either set the date for the trial or ask prosecutors to submit more evidence. Guards in balaclavas and bearing automatic rifles led the handcuffed defendants into a courtroom. At the start of the hearing, the prosecutor and all defendants including two men who allegedly carried out the murder and a woman accused of being an intermediary said no when asked by the judge if they wanted a deal for a reduced sentence in exchange for confession. Alena Zsuzsova, who prosecutors say was an intermediary, said: "I am not interested, I am innocent." All face up to life in prison if convicted. The court may impose a reduced sentence if they confess during the main trial. Slovak media and Kuciak's family lawyer have said one the defendants had admitted during the investigation to be the shooter. A fifth man has confessed to facilitating the killing and has made a plea deal with prosecutors to act as a witness. Prosecutors said in August they had extracted tens of thousands of messages from Kocner’s phone containing communication with "representatives of state bodies and the justice system". The revelations caused several senior officials to resign. Slovakia's former chief prosecutor was charged with abuse of power in a case also involving Kocner.

Four tried in Slovak journalist's killing reject deal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slovakia-set-to-elect-anti-graft-lawyer-as-first-female-president-206871">Slovakia's</a> police have charged three people with putting the public in danger over a gas explosion at an apartment block in the eastern Slovak town of Presov that killed at least seven people and injured about 40, a spokesman said on Sunday.

Fire ripped through the top five floors of the 12-storey building on Friday, causing the roof and a staircase of the block to cave in, possibly caused by a build-up of combustible gas from a leak. Excavation works had been underway in the area days before the explosion.

One person, who may have been trapped on the top floor, hardest hit by the blast and subsequent fire, was still missing on Sunday, rescuers said.

Some of the residents from nearby housing units, who were evacuated on Friday due to the risk that the top floors of the building might collapse, returned home on Sunday. Families from the damaged building itself had to stay in emergency housing as stress analysis experts assessed the stability of the structure.

The government of Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini has approved a 1 million euro ($1.10 million) aid package to help families affected by the fire.

Slovakia's police have charged three people with putting the public in danger over a gas explosion at an apartment block in the eastern Slovak town of Presov that killed at least seven people and injured about 40, a spokesman said on Sunday.

Slovakia's police have charged three people with putting the public in danger over a gas explosion at an apartment block in the eastern Slovak town of Presov that killed at least seven people and injured about 40, a spokesman said on Sunday. Fire ripped through the top five floors of the 12-storey building on Friday, causing the roof and a staircase of the block to cave in, possibly caused by a build-up of combustible gas from a leak. Excavation works had been underway in the area days before the explosion. One person, who may have been trapped on the top floor, hardest hit by the blast and subsequent fire, was still missing on Sunday, rescuers said. Some of the residents from nearby housing units, who were evacuated on Friday due to the risk that the top floors of the building might collapse, returned home on Sunday. Families from the damaged building itself had to stay in emergency housing as stress analysis experts assessed the stability of the structure. The government of Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini has approved a 1 million euro ($1.10 million) aid package to help families affected by the fire.

Slovak police charge three with putting public in danger over deadly gas explosion

Scotland will face Israel in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wales-qualifies-for-euro-2020-belgium-netherlands-germany-secure-victories-in-final-qualifying-clash-263291">Euro 2020 playoff</a> semi-finals at Hampden Park, while Ireland visit Slovakia following a draw on Friday at UEFA headquarters in Switzerland.

Steve Clarke's Scotland were assured a home match because they topped their group in the inaugural Nations League last year, and victory at Hampden Park on March 26 will see them visit either Norway or Serbia in the Path C playoff final.

"We have to make sure everyone is available come March and do what we can to get the country (qualified)," Clarke told Sky Sports.

"We are one of the host nations and we don't want to be a host nation watching on from the sidelines.

"I never get too carried away about who we're going to get. We will be familiar with Israel because we played them in the Nations League group stage, and hopefully we can get a positive outcome."

Scotland, who are aiming to reach their first major finals in 22 years, will join <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harry-kane-treble-as-england-demolish-montenegro-to-book-euro-2020-spot-262238">England in Group D</a> if they qualify for the finals next year.

Ireland, who already knew their opponents ahead of Friday's draw, could visit the winner of the match between Bosnia and Northern Ireland in the Path B final.

Iceland, who reached the Euro 2016 quarter-finals, will host Romania in the Path A semi-final. The winner will need to beat Bulgaria or <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/croatia-thump-hungary-to-stay-on-course-slovakia-hold-wales-255125">Hungary</a> to secure progress to the main draw.

The four playoff winners will then join the 20 teams who have already qualified for the Euro 2020 finals to be held from June 12 to July 12.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/euro-2020-qualifiers-with-20-out-of-24-berths-filled-england-france-italy-top-their-groups-263461">In pictures:&nbsp;Euro 2020 Qualifiers: List of 20 contenders for Europe's top prize</a>

For the first time, the Euro finals will be staged in 12 cities in 12 countries across Europe rather than the traditional system of one or two host nations.

The main draw for the competition will be held in Bucharest on November&nbsp;30, with each host nation to play in the group assigned to their stadium.

Denmark and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hazard-brothers-shine-as-belgium-thrash-russia-in-euro-qualifiers-262650">Russia</a>, who are both host nations, have qualified for the finals and are paired in Group B.

Following a draw, it was decided that Denmark will play all their group stage matches in Copenhagen, including their meeting with Russia.

Russia will play the other two matches in St Petersburg.

Scotland will face Israel in the Euro 2020 playoff semi-finals at Hampden Park, while Ireland visit Slovakia following a draw on Friday at UEFA headquarters in Switzerland.

Scotland will face Israel in the Euro 2020 playoff semi-finals at Hampden Park, while Ireland visit Slovakia following a draw on Friday at UEFA headquarters in Switzerland. Steve Clarke's Scotland were assured a home match because they topped their group in the inaugural Nations League last year, and victory at Hampden Park on March 26 will see them visit either Norway or Serbia in the Path C playoff final. "We have to make sure everyone is available come March and do what we can to get the country (qualified)," Clarke told Sky Sports. "We are one of the host nations and we don't want to be a host nation watching on from the sidelines. "I never get too carried away about who we're going to get. We will be familiar with Israel because we played them in the Nations League group stage, and hopefully we can get a positive outcome." Scotland, who are aiming to reach their first major finals in 22 years, will join England in Group D if they qualify for the finals next year. Ireland, who already knew their opponents ahead of Friday's draw, could visit the winner of the match between Bosnia and Northern Ireland in the Path B final. Iceland, who reached the Euro 2016 quarter-finals, will host Romania in the Path A semi-final. The winner will need to beat Bulgaria or Hungary to secure progress to the main draw. The four playoff winners will then join the 20 teams who have already qualified for the Euro 2020 finals to be held from June 12 to July 12. In pictures: Euro 2020 Qualifiers: List of 20 contenders for Europe's top prize For the first time, the Euro finals will be staged in 12 cities in 12 countries across Europe rather than the traditional system of one or two host nations. The main draw for the competition will be held in Bucharest on November 30, with each host nation to play in the group assigned to their stadium. Denmark and Russia, who are both host nations, have qualified for the finals and are paired in Group B. Following a draw, it was decided that Denmark will play all their group stage matches in Copenhagen, including their meeting with Russia. Russia will play the other two matches in St Petersburg.

Scotland v Israel, Slovakia v Ireland in Euro 2020 playoff semis

Croatia qualified for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-qualifiers-france-celebrate-2-0-win-in-albanias-new-stadium-262830">Euro 2020</a> after second-half goals from Nikola Vlasic, Bruno Petkovic and Ivan Perisic inspired a comeback 3-1 home win over Slovakia in a pulsating Group E qualifier on Saturday.

The result left the Croatians on 17 points from eight games as they completed their campaign, with three sides behind them still in contention for next year's 24-nation tournament.

Second-placed Hungary (12 points) visit third-placed Wales (11 points) on Tuesday in a dogfight for a top-two finish where a win would see either through.

A draw, however, could allow fourth-placed Slovakia (10 points), who are at home to bottom team Azerbaijan in their final game, to squeeze through as they have a better head-to-head record against the Hungarians.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic, who guided them to a runners-up finish at the 2018 World Cup, was delighted.

"I am proud and I congratulate the players for winning the group and qualifying," he said.

"I wasn't worried when we fell behind because we were playing well and it was much easier after we equalised.

"All credit to the fans too who turned up in numbers and I hope we will bring more joy to Croatia in the European Championship."

Petkovic added: "We vowed not to lose our heads if we conceded first and managed to turn it around because we kept our composure. This young team has a very good chemistry."

Croatia squandered a flurry of first-half chances and were punished in the 32nd minute when Robert Bozenik turned in a Stanislav Lobotka cross from the left.

Bozenik almost doubled Slovakia's lead as Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic just managed to tip over the 19-year-old striker's ferocious drive from the edge of the penalty area.

Yet that was as good as it got for Slovakia on a rainy night in the coastal city of Rijeka, as Croatia turned the tide with a fierce second-half onslaught.

Vlasic equalised in the 56th minute with a low drive from 20 metres and Petkovic fired Croatia ahead four minutes later when he powered an unstoppable header into the top corner after Luka Modric swung in an inch-perfect corner.

Slovakia had winger Robert Mak sent off in the 66th minute for a second bookable foul before Perisic added the third for the home side, volleying home a Borna Barisic assist to delight a packed home crowd in Rujevica stadium.

Slovakia keeper Martin Dubravka spared Slovakia a heavier defeat with several fine saves in the closing stages.

Croatia qualified for Euro 2020 after second-half goals from Nikola Vlasic, Bruno Petkovic and Ivan Perisic inspired a comeback 3-1 home win over Slovakia in a pulsating Group E qualifier on Saturday.

Croatia qualified for Euro 2020 after second-half goals from Nikola Vlasic, Bruno Petkovic and Ivan Perisic inspired a comeback 3-1 home win over Slovakia in a pulsating Group E qualifier on Saturday. The result left the Croatians on 17 points from eight games as they completed their campaign, with three sides behind them still in contention for next year's 24-nation tournament. Second-placed Hungary (12 points) visit third-placed Wales (11 points) on Tuesday in a dogfight for a top-two finish where a win would see either through. A draw, however, could allow fourth-placed Slovakia (10 points), who are at home to bottom team Azerbaijan in their final game, to squeeze through as they have a better head-to-head record against the Hungarians. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic, who guided them to a runners-up finish at the 2018 World Cup, was delighted. "I am proud and I congratulate the players for winning the group and qualifying," he said. "I wasn't worried when we fell behind because we were playing well and it was much easier after we equalised. "All credit to the fans too who turned up in numbers and I hope we will bring more joy to Croatia in the European Championship." Petkovic added: "We vowed not to lose our heads if we conceded first and managed to turn it around because we kept our composure. This young team has a very good chemistry." Croatia squandered a flurry of first-half chances and were punished in the 32nd minute when Robert Bozenik turned in a Stanislav Lobotka cross from the left. Bozenik almost doubled Slovakia's lead as Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic just managed to tip over the 19-year-old striker's ferocious drive from the edge of the penalty area. Yet that was as good as it got for Slovakia on a rainy night in the coastal city of Rijeka, as Croatia turned the tide with a fierce second-half onslaught. Vlasic equalised in the 56th minute with a low drive from 20 metres and Petkovic fired Croatia ahead four minutes later when he powered an unstoppable header into the top corner after Luka Modric swung in an inch-perfect corner. Slovakia had winger Robert Mak sent off in the 66th minute for a second bookable foul before Perisic added the third for the home side, volleying home a Borna Barisic assist to delight a packed home crowd in Rujevica stadium. Slovakia keeper Martin Dubravka spared Slovakia a heavier defeat with several fine saves in the closing stages.

Croatia reach Euro 2020 with 3-1 win over Slovakia

A bus collided with a truck in Slovakia on Wednesday, killing at least 12 people and injuring at least 17 more

Bus crash in Slovakia kills 12, injures 17

Croatia&nbsp;remained firmly on&nbsp;course&nbsp;to reach Euro 2020 after two goals from striker Bruno Petkovic helped them to a 3-0 home win over&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;while&nbsp;Wales&nbsp;kept alive their hopes with a 1-1 draw at&nbsp;Slovakia&nbsp;in qualifying Group E on Thursday.

The&nbsp;Croatians top the group with 13 points from six matches and will secure a berth in next year's finals with a match to spare if they beat&nbsp;Wales&nbsp;away on Sunday.

Slovakia&nbsp;are second on 10 points from six matches, one ahead of third-placed&nbsp;Hungary, while&nbsp;Wales&nbsp;are fourth with seven points from five games. The bottom team Azerbaijan has one point from five matches.

The&nbsp;Croatians dominated after captain Luka Modric fired them into a fifth-minute lead when he picked up a loose ball in midfield, raced down the middle and steered a shot past&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.

Petkovic made it 2-0 with a delightful back-heel from close range after Ante Rebic left his marker for dead on the left flank and squared the ball to the Dinamo Zagreb hitman.

A catalogue of defensive errors allowed Petkovic to bundle in the third late in the first half, as Tamas Kadar and Gulacsi misjudged Ivan Perisic's low cross from the right.

Gulacsi made amends in the 55th minute when he saved Perisic's penalty after Rebic was fouled but any slim hopes of a&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;comeback were dashed moments later when Laszlo Kleinheisler was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Wales&nbsp;missed a chance to close in on the top two after a sumptuous second-half volley by&nbsp;Slovakia&nbsp;defender Juraj Kucka cancelled out Kieffer Moore's 25th-minute opener.

Moore headed home after Daniel James delivered a fine cross into the penalty area but the visitors failed to clear a Peter Pekarik cross in the 53rd minute and Kucka blasted in the equaliser from 20 meters.

Gareth Bale hit the crossbar for&nbsp;Wales&nbsp;with a first-half header and the&nbsp;Slovakians had defender Norbert Gyomber sent off in the 88th minute for a second yellow card after a poor tackle on Moore.

Croatia remained firmly on course to reach Euro 2020 after two goals from striker Bruno Petkovic helped them to a 3-0 home win over Hungary while Wales kept alive their hopes with a 1-1 draw at Slovakia in qualifying Group E on Thursday.

Croatia remained firmly on course to reach Euro 2020 after two goals from striker Bruno Petkovic helped them to a 3-0 home win over Hungary while Wales kept alive their hopes with a 1-1 draw at Slovakia in qualifying Group E on Thursday. The Croatians top the group with 13 points from six matches and will secure a berth in next year's finals with a match to spare if they beat Wales away on Sunday. Slovakia are second on 10 points from six matches, one ahead of third-placed Hungary, while Wales are fourth with seven points from five games. The bottom team Azerbaijan has one point from five matches. The Croatians dominated after captain Luka Modric fired them into a fifth-minute lead when he picked up a loose ball in midfield, raced down the middle and steered a shot past Hungary goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi. Petkovic made it 2-0 with a delightful back-heel from close range after Ante Rebic left his marker for dead on the left flank and squared the ball to the Dinamo Zagreb hitman. A catalogue of defensive errors allowed Petkovic to bundle in the third late in the first half, as Tamas Kadar and Gulacsi misjudged Ivan Perisic's low cross from the right. Gulacsi made amends in the 55th minute when he saved Perisic's penalty after Rebic was fouled but any slim hopes of a Hungary comeback were dashed moments later when Laszlo Kleinheisler was sent off for a second bookable offence. Wales missed a chance to close in on the top two after a sumptuous second-half volley by Slovakia defender Juraj Kucka cancelled out Kieffer Moore's 25th-minute opener. Moore headed home after Daniel James delivered a fine cross into the penalty area but the visitors failed to clear a Peter Pekarik cross in the 53rd minute and Kucka blasted in the equaliser from 20 meters. Gareth Bale hit the crossbar for Wales with a first-half header and the Slovakians had defender Norbert Gyomber sent off in the 88th minute for a second yellow card after a poor tackle on Moore.

Euro 2020 qualifiers: Croatia thump Hungary to stay on course, Slovakia hold Wales

Croatia went top of Euro 2020 qualifying Group E despite being held to a surprise 1-1 draw in Azerbaijan as Hungary slipped to a shock 2-1 home defeat by neighbours Slovakia on Monday.

The results lifted Croatia into pole position on 10 points from five games, one ahead of Slovakia, who bounced back in style after Friday's 4-0 home drubbing by the Croatians, and Hungary.

Wales have six points from four games and Azerbaijan are on one point from five matches.

The Croatians took an 11th-minute lead thanks to a Luka Modric penalty after Anton Krivotsyuk handled the ball and then missed a hatful of chances before substitute Tamkin Khalilzade equalised with a solo effort.

The forward weaved his way past three defenders after cutting in from the left flank and beat goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic with a fine shot from eight metres.

Home keeper Emil Balayev twice denied Nikola Vlasic and also kept out a pair of Ante Rebic sitters in the first half, while Azerbaijan had two goals correctly ruled out for offside in an action-packed encounter.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic scorned his players for a below-par performance as it left them with work to do in order to qualify for next year's 24-nation tournament.

"Some of my players need to grow up," Dalic told reporters.

"We missed too many chances after taking an early lead and their goalkeeper also had an excellent afternoon. They stifled us in the second half and we only have ourselves to blame."

Hungary failed to capitalise on Croatia's slip-up as they conceded two goals against the run of play in front of a fervent home crowd in Budapest.

Robert Mak fired the visitors ahead in the 40th minute when he swept a loose ball into the net from seven metres after Marek Hamsik's teasing low cross from the right rebounded kindly.

The home side levelled in the 50th minute when 18-year-old Dominik Szoboszlai curled in a delightful free kick past keeper Martin Dubravka for his first international goal.

But the Hungarians were rocked again six minutes later when Slovakia's 19-year-old striker Robert Bozenik also netted the first goal for his country, driving in a crisp shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Mak fired over an empty net after a defensive mix-up several minutes later and Dubravka then rescued Slovakia when he kept out a rasping shot by midfielder Balazs Dzsudzsak.

Croatia went top of Euro 2020 qualifying Group E despite being held to a surprise 1-1 draw in Azerbaijan as Hungary slipped to a shock 2-1 home defeat by neighbours Slovakia on Monday.

Croatia went top of Euro 2020 qualifying Group E despite being held to a surprise 1-1 draw in Azerbaijan as Hungary slipped to a shock 2-1 home defeat by neighbours Slovakia on Monday. The results lifted Croatia into pole position on 10 points from five games, one ahead of Slovakia, who bounced back in style after Friday's 4-0 home drubbing by the Croatians, and Hungary. Wales have six points from four games and Azerbaijan are on one point from five matches. The Croatians took an 11th-minute lead thanks to a Luka Modric penalty after Anton Krivotsyuk handled the ball and then missed a hatful of chances before substitute Tamkin Khalilzade equalised with a solo effort. The forward weaved his way past three defenders after cutting in from the left flank and beat goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic with a fine shot from eight metres. Home keeper Emil Balayev twice denied Nikola Vlasic and also kept out a pair of Ante Rebic sitters in the first half, while Azerbaijan had two goals correctly ruled out for offside in an action-packed encounter. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic scorned his players for a below-par performance as it left them with work to do in order to qualify for next year's 24-nation tournament. "Some of my players need to grow up," Dalic told reporters. "We missed too many chances after taking an early lead and their goalkeeper also had an excellent afternoon. They stifled us in the second half and we only have ourselves to blame." Hungary failed to capitalise on Croatia's slip-up as they conceded two goals against the run of play in front of a fervent home crowd in Budapest. Robert Mak fired the visitors ahead in the 40th minute when he swept a loose ball into the net from seven metres after Marek Hamsik's teasing low cross from the right rebounded kindly. The home side levelled in the 50th minute when 18-year-old Dominik Szoboszlai curled in a delightful free kick past keeper Martin Dubravka for his first international goal. But the Hungarians were rocked again six minutes later when Slovakia's 19-year-old striker Robert Bozenik also netted the first goal for his country, driving in a crisp shot from the edge of the penalty area. Mak fired over an empty net after a defensive mix-up several minutes later and Dubravka then rescued Slovakia when he kept out a rasping shot by midfielder Balazs Dzsudzsak.

Croatia go top as Slovakia stun Hungary

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ford-to-cut-7000-jobs-10-of-global-staff-220227">US carmaker Ford</a> said Thursday that it plans to slash a total of 12,000 jobs across Europe as part of a previously announced restructuring.

The overall figure includes 5,400 layoffs already announced in Germany and 1,700 in Wales.

The move comes as the company closes or sells six plants in Britain, France, Russia and Slovakia this year and next.

The job cuts will come "primarily through voluntary separation programmes", said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ford-likely-to-end-independent-india-business-with-new-mahindra-deal-sources-209235">Ford</a>, which employs around 51,000 people and operates 24 factories around Europe.

As well as the factory closure in Wales, three sites in Russia, one in Slovakia and one in France will be shuttered.

Thursday is the first time Ford has publicly stated the jobs impact of its plans.

Group chief executive Jim Hackett announced last autumn a massive restructuring of the American firm, aiming to save $11 billion and turn Ford into a more "agile" group with faster decision-making processes.

The company aims to catch up with the world leaders in the industry's transformation towards autonomous and electric-powered driving, as well as services like car-sharing and ride-sharing.

Ford says that "financial results in Europe are on track to significantly improve for the full year 2019", adding that in future it will refocus on electric mobility.

Its European operations will be reorganised into three divisions: commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and imports.

"This could be the first step towards a complete or partial sale" of Ford's car business in Europe, industry expert Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer of the University of Duisburg-Essen's CAR institute told AFP.

US carmaker Ford said Thursday that it plans to slash a total of 12,000 jobs across Europe as part of a previously announced restructuring. The overall figure includes 5,400 layoffs already announced in Germany and 1,700 in Wales.

US carmaker Ford said Thursday that it plans to slash a total of 12,000 jobs across Europe as part of a previously announced restructuring. The overall figure includes 5,400 layoffs already announced in Germany and 1,700 in Wales. The move comes as the company closes or sells six plants in Britain, France, Russia and Slovakia this year and next. The job cuts will come "primarily through voluntary separation programmes", said Ford, which employs around 51,000 people and operates 24 factories around Europe. As well as the factory closure in Wales, three sites in Russia, one in Slovakia and one in France will be shuttered. Thursday is the first time Ford has publicly stated the jobs impact of its plans. Group chief executive Jim Hackett announced last autumn a massive restructuring of the American firm, aiming to save $11 billion and turn Ford into a more "agile" group with faster decision-making processes. The company aims to catch up with the world leaders in the industry's transformation towards autonomous and electric-powered driving, as well as services like car-sharing and ride-sharing. Ford says that "financial results in Europe are on track to significantly improve for the full year 2019", adding that in future it will refocus on electric mobility. Its European operations will be reorganised into three divisions: commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and imports. "This could be the first step towards a complete or partial sale" of Ford's car business in Europe, industry expert Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer of the University of Duisburg-Essen's CAR institute told AFP.

Ford says to slash 12,000 jobs in all across Europe

Riding a wave of public fury over corruption, liberal lawyer Zuzana Caputova looked set to win Slovakia's presidential election on Saturday, bucking a trend that has seen populist, anti-European Union politicians make gains across the continent.

Corruption and change have been the main themes ahead of the run-off vote, which takes place a year after journalist Jan Kuciak, who investigated high-profile fraud cases, and his fiancée were murdered at their home.

Caputova, a pro-EU political novice who would be Slovakia's first female president, won the election's first round two weeks ago with 40.6 percent of the vote, ahead of European Commissioner Maros Sefcovic on 18.7 percent.

Sefcovic, a respected diplomat who is also pro-EU, is backed by the ruling party Smer, the largest grouping in parliament that has dominated Slovak politics since 2006.

Caputova campaigned to end what she calls the capture of the state "by people pulling strings from behind", a message that opinion polls show resonates with younger, educated voters.

She has been endorsed by opposition parties and a junior party in the ruling coalition that represents the ethnic Hungarian minority, as well as outgoing President Andrej Kiska.

"I don't take my victory as a given. I expect a narrower result than two weeks ago," Caputova said after casting her vote in her hometown of Pezinok.

Sefcovic, who voted in Bratislava, said he hoped for a high turnout that would give the new president a strong mandate.

"Slovakia needs reconciliation and peace because divisions in the society take away our energy from important issues," he said.

Polling stations closed at 10 p.m. (2100 GMT), with results expected overnight.

At one polling station in the capital, voter Zuzana Behrikova said she had been convinced by Caputova's activist background.

"She knows what it is like to face injustice and she has always had the back of those who fought against the oligarchs," Behrikova said, accompanied by her two young daughters.

'Slovakia's&nbsp;Erin Brockovich'

Slovakia's president wields little day-to-day power but appoints prime ministers and can veto appointments of senior prosecutors and judges.

Five people have been charged with the murders of Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kusnirova, including businessman Marian Kocner, who was investigated by Kuciak, and who has become a symbol of perceived impunity after more than a decade of rule by Smer. Kocner denies any wrongdoing.

The killings ignited the biggest protests in Slovakia's post-communist history.

Caputova waged a 14-year fight with a company Kocner represented that wanted to build an illegal landfill in her home town. She eventually won the case, earning her the nickname "Slovakia's Erin Brockovich", after the American environmentalist portrayed by Julia Roberts in a 2000 film.

An opinion poll by the Median agency, the only survey released between the first and the second round of voting, put support for Caputova at 60.5 percent. Sefcovic, who has campaigned on his experience and personal relationships with foreign leaders, held a 39.5 percent vote share, according to the poll.

Courting voters who backed anti-immigration candidates in the first round of the presidential election, Sefcovic has said he rejects the vision of an EU "where the distribution of migrants would be decided by someone other than Slovakia".

The Moscow-educated politician supported the government's opposition to mandatory migrant quotas suggested by the European Commission, where he is a vice president.

Sefcovic, who joined the Communist Party in what was then Czechoslovakia just months before communism collapsed in November 1989, has stressed his Christian beliefs in the campaign. He called Caputova's support for abortion rights and LGBT rights "ultra-liberal".

Riding a wave of public fury over corruption, liberal lawyer Zuzana Caputova looked set to win Slovakia's presidential election on Saturday, bucking a trend that has seen populist, anti-European Union politicians make gains across the continent.

Riding a wave of public fury over corruption, liberal lawyer Zuzana Caputova looked set to win Slovakia's presidential election on Saturday, bucking a trend that has seen populist, anti-European Union politicians make gains across the continent. Corruption and change have been the main themes ahead of the run-off vote, which takes place a year after journalist Jan Kuciak, who investigated high-profile fraud cases, and his fiancée were murdered at their home. Caputova, a pro-EU political novice who would be Slovakia's first female president, won the election's first round two weeks ago with 40.6 percent of the vote, ahead of European Commissioner Maros Sefcovic on 18.7 percent. Sefcovic, a respected diplomat who is also pro-EU, is backed by the ruling party Smer, the largest grouping in parliament that has dominated Slovak politics since 2006. Caputova campaigned to end what she calls the capture of the state "by people pulling strings from behind", a message that opinion polls show resonates with younger, educated voters. She has been endorsed by opposition parties and a junior party in the ruling coalition that represents the ethnic Hungarian minority, as well as outgoing President Andrej Kiska. "I don't take my victory as a given. I expect a narrower result than two weeks ago," Caputova said after casting her vote in her hometown of Pezinok. Sefcovic, who voted in Bratislava, said he hoped for a high turnout that would give the new president a strong mandate. "Slovakia needs reconciliation and peace because divisions in the society take away our energy from important issues," he said. Polling stations closed at 10 p.m. (2100 GMT), with results expected overnight. At one polling station in the capital, voter Zuzana Behrikova said she had been convinced by Caputova's activist background. "She knows what it is like to face injustice and she has always had the back of those who fought against the oligarchs," Behrikova said, accompanied by her two young daughters. 'Slovakia's Erin Brockovich' Slovakia's president wields little day-to-day power but appoints prime ministers and can veto appointments of senior prosecutors and judges. Five people have been charged with the murders of Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kusnirova, including businessman Marian Kocner, who was investigated by Kuciak, and who has become a symbol of perceived impunity after more than a decade of rule by Smer. Kocner denies any wrongdoing. The killings ignited the biggest protests in Slovakia's post-communist history. Caputova waged a 14-year fight with a company Kocner represented that wanted to build an illegal landfill in her home town. She eventually won the case, earning her the nickname "Slovakia's Erin Brockovich", after the American environmentalist portrayed by Julia Roberts in a 2000 film. An opinion poll by the Median agency, the only survey released between the first and the second round of voting, put support for Caputova at 60.5 percent. Sefcovic, who has campaigned on his experience and personal relationships with foreign leaders, held a 39.5 percent vote share, according to the poll. Courting voters who backed anti-immigration candidates in the first round of the presidential election, Sefcovic has said he rejects the vision of an EU "where the distribution of migrants would be decided by someone other than Slovakia". The Moscow-educated politician supported the government's opposition to mandatory migrant quotas suggested by the European Commission, where he is a vice president. Sefcovic, who joined the Communist Party in what was then Czechoslovakia just months before communism collapsed in November 1989, has stressed his Christian beliefs in the campaign. He called Caputova's support for abortion rights and LGBT rights "ultra-liberal".

Slovakia set to elect anti-graft lawyer as first female president

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin posed a threat to democracies worldwide <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-pledges-slovakia-support-on-latest-stop-to-curb-russia-china-196961">as he arrived in Slovakia</a>, the latest stop on a Central European charm offensive aimed at curbing the growing influence of both Moscow and Beijing.

"Vladimir Putin is intent on undermining democracies throughout the world, make no mistake about it. We should be very candid about that," Pompeo told journalism students in the capital Bratislava.

He later warned Slovaks about the "need to guard against China's economic and other efforts to create dependence and manipulate your political system."

Pompeo is seeking to highlight the US role in the fall of communism three decades ago at a time when Putin finds a widening audience in the former Eastern bloc.

The first US secretary of state to visit Slovakia in 14 years, Pompeo told President Andrej Kiska: "It's been too long since America has been deeply engaged here."

He met with five former political prisoners at a memorial to the so-called Gate of Freedom on the border with Austria, where 400 people were killed from 1945 to 1989 as they tried to break through the Iron Curtain to the West.

"Where barbed wire and armed guards stood, today people, goods and information cross freely," Pompeo said.

"The United States has stood with the people of Slovakia as a friend, as a partner... for the past 30 years, and we will continue to stand with you in the decades to come.

"On behalf of the United States I'm proud to stand in union with the people of Slovakia and Europe in recommitting to a future that is more prosperous, more secure and, most of all, great," he said.

Kiska, a staunch liberal, called the US an "important partner and ally".

Alternative to Russia

President Donald Trump has voiced admiration for Putin but the wider US government remains suspicious of the Russian leader and is seeking to find alternatives for European nations to Russia's energy exports.

A senior US official travelling with Pompeo said the Trump administration was pursuing a strategy similar to that in Asia, where for years the United States has been seeking to curb China's power.

"It emphasises in vulnerable regions where our rivals, the Chinese and the Russians, are gaining ground that we want to increase our diplomatic, military and cultural engagement," the official told reporters.

He said Washington was also looking across Central Europe to boost an independent media, amid concerns about an erosion of press freedom.

In Hungary, the most pro-Russia member of the European Union, Pompeo raised concerns to Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government both over ties with Moscow and Budapest's contract with Chinese telecom giant Huawei to develop the country's fifth-generation mobile network.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto welcomed Pompeo's calls for closer ties and promised more defence cooperation but also brushed off the criticism on relations with Russia and China.

Western concerns on Hungary's ties with Moscow amounted to "enormous hypocrisy," he said, adding that Western Europe was doing energy deals with Russia.

Pompeo heads later Tuesday to Poland, where he is co-hosting a conference on the Middle East that will promote Trump's hard line on Iran and strong support for Israel. 
&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin posed a threat to democracies worldwide as he arrived in Slovakia, the latest stop on a Central European charm offensive aimed at curbing the growing influence of both Moscow and Beijing.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin posed a threat to democracies worldwide as he arrived in Slovakia, the latest stop on a Central European charm offensive aimed at curbing the growing influence of both Moscow and Beijing. "Vladimir Putin is intent on undermining democracies throughout the world, make no mistake about it. We should be very candid about that," Pompeo told journalism students in the capital Bratislava. He later warned Slovaks about the "need to guard against China's economic and other efforts to create dependence and manipulate your political system." Pompeo is seeking to highlight the US role in the fall of communism three decades ago at a time when Putin finds a widening audience in the former Eastern bloc. The first US secretary of state to visit Slovakia in 14 years, Pompeo told President Andrej Kiska: "It's been too long since America has been deeply engaged here." He met with five former political prisoners at a memorial to the so-called Gate of Freedom on the border with Austria, where 400 people were killed from 1945 to 1989 as they tried to break through the Iron Curtain to the West. "Where barbed wire and armed guards stood, today people, goods and information cross freely," Pompeo said. "The United States has stood with the people of Slovakia as a friend, as a partner... for the past 30 years, and we will continue to stand with you in the decades to come. "On behalf of the United States I'm proud to stand in union with the people of Slovakia and Europe in recommitting to a future that is more prosperous, more secure and, most of all, great," he said. Kiska, a staunch liberal, called the US an "important partner and ally". Alternative to Russia President Donald Trump has voiced admiration for Putin but the wider US government remains suspicious of the Russian leader and is seeking to find alternatives for European nations to Russia's energy exports. A senior US official travelling with Pompeo said the Trump administration was pursuing a strategy similar to that in Asia, where for years the United States has been seeking to curb China's power. "It emphasises in vulnerable regions where our rivals, the Chinese and the Russians, are gaining ground that we want to increase our diplomatic, military and cultural engagement," the official told reporters. He said Washington was also looking across Central Europe to boost an independent media, amid concerns about an erosion of press freedom. In Hungary, the most pro-Russia member of the European Union, Pompeo raised concerns to Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government both over ties with Moscow and Budapest's contract with Chinese telecom giant Huawei to develop the country's fifth-generation mobile network. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto welcomed Pompeo's calls for closer ties and promised more defence cooperation but also brushed off the criticism on relations with Russia and China. Western concerns on Hungary's ties with Moscow amounted to "enormous hypocrisy," he said, adding that Western Europe was doing energy deals with Russia. Pompeo heads later Tuesday to Poland, where he is co-hosting a conference on the Middle East that will promote Trump's hard line on Iran and strong support for Israel.

Vladimir Putin is intent on undermining democracies throughout the world: Mike Pompeo

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo promised Tuesday that the United States would support Slovakia's security and economy on his latest stop on a Central European tour aimed at curbing the growing influence of Russia and China.

Pompeo, the first US secretary of state to visit Slovakia in 14 years, told President Andrej Kiska as they met: "It's been too long since America has been deeply engaged here."

A day after talks in Hungary, Pompeo is seeking to highlight the US role in the fall of communism three decades ago as Russian President Vladimir Putin finds a widening audience in the former Eastern Bloc.

Pompeo greeted five former political prisoners at a memorial to the so-called Gate of Freedom on the border with Austria, where 400 people were killed from 1945 to 1989 as they tried to escape the Iron Curtain of then Czechoslovakia.

"Where barbed wire and armed guards stood, today people, goods and information cross freely," Pompeo said.

"The United States has stood with the people of Slovakia as a friend, as a partner... for the past 30 years, and we will continue to stand with you in the decades to come," he said.

"On behalf of the United States I'm proud to stand in union with the people of Slovakia and Europe in recommitting to a future that is more prosperous, more secure and, most of all, great," he said.

Alternative to Russia

President Donald Trump has voiced admiration for Putin but the wider US government finds the Russian leader to be a nemesis and is seeking to find alternatives for European nations to Russia's energy exports.

A senior US official travelling with Pompeo said that the Trump administration was pursuing a strategy similar to that in Asia, where for years the United States has been seeking to curb China's power.

"It emphasises in vulnerable regions where our rivals, the Chinese and the Russians, are gaining ground that we want to increase our diplomatic, military and cultural engagement," the official told reporters.

He said that the United States was also looking across Central Europe to provide more support to boost an independent media, amid concerns about an erosion of press freedom.

In Hungary, the most pro-Russia member of the European Union, Pompeo raised concerns to Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government both over ties with Moscow and Budapest's contract with Chinese telecom giant Huawei to develop the country's fifth-generation mobile network.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto welcomed Pompeo's calls for closer ties and promised more defence cooperation but also brushed off the criticism on relations with Russia and China.

He said that Western concerns on Hungary's ties with Moscow amounted to "enormous hypocrisy" as Western European nations were doing the energy deals with Russia.

Pompeo heads later Tuesday to Poland, where he is co-hosting a conference on the Middle East that will promote President Donald Trump's hard line on Iran and strong support for Israel. 
&nbsp;

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo promised Tuesday that the United States would support Slovakia's security and economy on his latest stop on a Central European tour aimed at curbing the growing influence of Russia and China.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo promised Tuesday that the United States would support Slovakia's security and economy on his latest stop on a Central European tour aimed at curbing the growing influence of Russia and China. Pompeo, the first US secretary of state to visit Slovakia in 14 years, told President Andrej Kiska as they met: "It's been too long since America has been deeply engaged here." A day after talks in Hungary, Pompeo is seeking to highlight the US role in the fall of communism three decades ago as Russian President Vladimir Putin finds a widening audience in the former Eastern Bloc. Pompeo greeted five former political prisoners at a memorial to the so-called Gate of Freedom on the border with Austria, where 400 people were killed from 1945 to 1989 as they tried to escape the Iron Curtain of then Czechoslovakia. "Where barbed wire and armed guards stood, today people, goods and information cross freely," Pompeo said. "The United States has stood with the people of Slovakia as a friend, as a partner... for the past 30 years, and we will continue to stand with you in the decades to come," he said. "On behalf of the United States I'm proud to stand in union with the people of Slovakia and Europe in recommitting to a future that is more prosperous, more secure and, most of all, great," he said. Alternative to Russia President Donald Trump has voiced admiration for Putin but the wider US government finds the Russian leader to be a nemesis and is seeking to find alternatives for European nations to Russia's energy exports. A senior US official travelling with Pompeo said that the Trump administration was pursuing a strategy similar to that in Asia, where for years the United States has been seeking to curb China's power. "It emphasises in vulnerable regions where our rivals, the Chinese and the Russians, are gaining ground that we want to increase our diplomatic, military and cultural engagement," the official told reporters. He said that the United States was also looking across Central Europe to provide more support to boost an independent media, amid concerns about an erosion of press freedom. In Hungary, the most pro-Russia member of the European Union, Pompeo raised concerns to Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government both over ties with Moscow and Budapest's contract with Chinese telecom giant Huawei to develop the country's fifth-generation mobile network. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto welcomed Pompeo's calls for closer ties and promised more defence cooperation but also brushed off the criticism on relations with Russia and China. He said that Western concerns on Hungary's ties with Moscow amounted to "enormous hypocrisy" as Western European nations were doing the energy deals with Russia. Pompeo heads later Tuesday to Poland, where he is co-hosting a conference on the Middle East that will promote President Donald Trump's hard line on Iran and strong support for Israel.

Pompeo pledges Slovakia support on latest stop to curb Russia, China

Slovakia&#39;s Henrieta Farkasova won the first gold medal of the Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics on Saturday in women&#39;s vision impaired downhill skiing.

Farkasova and her guide Natalia Subrtova finished in 1min 29.72 sec, beating second-placed Millie Knight of Britain and her guide Brett Wild by 0.86 sec.

It was the Slovakian&#39;s sixth Paralympic gold in vision impaired skiing. Belgium&#39;s Eleonor took the bronze medal, finishing the course in 1min 31.60 sec.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
What. A. Run. Henrieta Farkasova of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SVK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SVK</a> claims the first ???? of the Games! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PyeongChang2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PyeongChang2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paralympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paralympics</a> <a href="https://t.co/V0kw7FV9Ak">pic.twitter.com/V0kw7FV9Ak</a>
&mdash; Paralympic Games (@Paralympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paralympics/status/972281404703649793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics were officially opened on Friday night with a glittering ceremony, that included fireworks and light shows.

North Korea took centre stage at the ceremony.&nbsp;

Pyongyang is sending its first ever athletes, two cross-country skiers, to take part in a Winter Paralympics, the last stage of rapprochement with the South that began at last month&#39;s Winter Olympics.

&nbsp;

Farkasova and her guide Natalia Subrtova finished in 1min 29.72 sec, beating second-placed Millie Knight of Britain and her guide Brett Wild by 0.86 sec

Slovakia's Henrieta Farkasova won the first gold medal of the Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics on Saturday in women's vision impaired downhill skiing. Farkasova and her guide Natalia Subrtova finished in 1min 29.72 sec, beating second-placed Millie Knight of Britain and her guide Brett Wild by 0.86 sec. It was the Slovakian's sixth Paralympic gold in vision impaired skiing. Belgium's Eleonor took the bronze medal, finishing the course in 1min 31.60 sec. What. A. Run. Henrieta Farkasova of #SVK claims the first ???? of the Games! #PyeongChang2018 #Paralympics pic.twitter.com/V0kw7FV9Ak — Paralympic Games (@Paralympics) March 10, 2018 × The Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics were officially opened on Friday night with a glittering ceremony, that included fireworks and light shows. North Korea took centre stage at the ceremony. Pyongyang is sending its first ever athletes, two cross-country skiers, to take part in a Winter Paralympics, the last stage of rapprochement with the South that began at last month's Winter Olympics.

Slovakia's Henrieta Farkasova wins first gold of Winter Paralympics

Australian number one Nick Kyrgios has said he is ready to play this week&#39;s Davis Cup World Group play-off against Slovakia.&nbsp; 
 
Bernard Tomic and doubles specialists, John Peers and Sam Groth, complete the team to face Slovakia from September 16-18. 
 
Kyrgios ranked 15 in the world, downplayed his hip injury and said he was ready. Last week he was forced to quit the US Open third round in tears.&nbsp; 
 
He trained with the team ahead of the weekend&#39;s tie at Sydney&#39;s Ken Rosewall Arena.&nbsp; 
 
He told reporters in Sydney, &quot;I wouldn&#39;t be here if I didn&#39;t want to play.&quot; 
 
&quot;I feel ready. I&#39;m playing probably the best tennis I have,&quot;&nbsp;AFP quoted him as saying.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I&#39;ve hit twice since I&#39;ve been here and been going for about an hour to an hour-and-a-half, so it&#39;s feeling good and I&#39;m feeling confident with it. 
 
&quot;I just got a niggling injury that came out of nowhere almost. (But) I feel I&#39;ve been going pretty well. I&#39;ve been on the rise the whole year. I&#39;ve been playing well. I feel confident and I think we can do great things.&quot; 
 
He made his tennis debut in 2013 and has only played four ties, with a 3-4 win-loss record in singles. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

Nick Kyrgios was forced to quit the third-round of the US Open in tears due to his hip injury

Australian number one Nick Kyrgios has said he is ready to play this week's Davis Cup World Group play-off against Slovakia. Bernard Tomic and doubles specialists, John Peers and Sam Groth, complete the team to face Slovakia from September 16-18. Kyrgios ranked 15 in the world, downplayed his hip injury and said he was ready. Last week he was forced to quit the US Open third round in tears. He trained with the team ahead of the weekend's tie at Sydney's Ken Rosewall Arena. He told reporters in Sydney, "I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to play." "I feel ready. I'm playing probably the best tennis I have," AFP quoted him as saying. "I've hit twice since I've been here and been going for about an hour to an hour-and-a-half, so it's feeling good and I'm feeling confident with it. "I just got a niggling injury that came out of nowhere almost. (But) I feel I've been going pretty well. I've been on the rise the whole year. I've been playing well. I feel confident and I think we can do great things." He made his tennis debut in 2013 and has only played four ties, with a 3-4 win-loss record in singles. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Tennis: 'Ready for Davis Cup', says Australian number one Nick Kyrgios

Slovakia forward Vladimir Weiss is backing his country to beat England in their crucial Euro 2016 Group B game.&nbsp;The teams meet on Monday in Saint-Etienne with both sides looking to book a place in the last 16 of the competition. 
 
&quot;We have beaten big teams before and if we play at our best we can beat anyone, even England,&quot; said Weiss. 
 
England currently top the group with four points, one point ahead of third-placed Slovakia.&nbsp;A draw could be enough for both teams to progress but a defeat for either team in the high-stakes match could see one of them return home. 
 
The sides will approach the game with confidence having both won their second group matches 2-1 -- England against Wales and Weiss&#39;s Slovakia against Russia. 
 
&quot;The win against Russia gives us a lot of confidence going into the last game.&nbsp;We needed a win and we&#39;re very happy that we got it.&nbsp;I am sure England have seen our game against Russia and they know we will give it everything to get something from the final game to qualify,&quot; he told the website of Qatar&#39;s World Cup organising committee, the Supreme Committee for Delivery &amp; Legacy. 
 
Weiss currently plays his team football in Qatar with Al-Gharafa.&nbsp;With the opening goal against Russia, Weiss made history by becoming the first-ever player based outside Europe to score at the championships since they were first contested in 1960. 
 
The 26-year-old former Rangers and Manchester City player said he knew was going to hit the net before he shot. 
 
&quot;Once I turned inside the two defenders, I knew I was going to score.&nbsp;I was already thinking where I would go to celebrate the goal and I went to my parents.&nbsp;I dedicated the goal to my mum, she knew I wasn&#39;t happy after the first game.&nbsp;She said my time will come, and it did,&quot; he said. 
(AFP)

The teams meet Monday in Saint-Etienne, with both sides looking to book a place in the last 16 of the competition

Slovakia forward Vladimir Weiss is backing his country to beat England in their crucial Euro 2016 Group B game. The teams meet on Monday in Saint-Etienne with both sides looking to book a place in the last 16 of the competition. "We have beaten big teams before and if we play at our best we can beat anyone, even England," said Weiss. England currently top the group with four points, one point ahead of third-placed Slovakia. A draw could be enough for both teams to progress but a defeat for either team in the high-stakes match could see one of them return home. The sides will approach the game with confidence having both won their second group matches 2-1 -- England against Wales and Weiss's Slovakia against Russia. "The win against Russia gives us a lot of confidence going into the last game. We needed a win and we're very happy that we got it. I am sure England have seen our game against Russia and they know we will give it everything to get something from the final game to qualify," he told the website of Qatar's World Cup organising committee, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy. Weiss currently plays his team football in Qatar with Al-Gharafa. With the opening goal against Russia, Weiss made history by becoming the first-ever player based outside Europe to score at the championships since they were first contested in 1960. The 26-year-old former Rangers and Manchester City player said he knew was going to hit the net before he shot. "Once I turned inside the two defenders, I knew I was going to score. I was already thinking where I would go to celebrate the goal and I went to my parents. I dedicated the goal to my mum, she knew I wasn't happy after the first game. She said my time will come, and it did," he said. (AFP)

Slovakia can beat England says goal scorer Weiss

Germany central defender Jerome Boateng returned to training today after overcoming a muscle injury, and appeared fit for Sunday&#39;s Euro 2016 round of 16 clash against Slovakia. 
 
Boateng picked up a calf muscle injury towards the end of their 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland this week, and his participation on Sunday was in doubt. 
 
He did not train with the team on Friday, undergoing an individual session involving cycling and jogging, and seemed fit on Saturday, as Germany prepare for their departure to Lille later in the day. 
 
The 27-year-old, who has resumed his World-Cup winning partnership in central defence with Mats Hummels, has helped the world champions keep a clean sheet in all three of their group stage matches in the tournament so far. 
 
The winner of the round of 16 match will next play either Italy or Euro holders Spain in the quarter-finals. 
 
(Reuters)

Boateng injured his calf towards the end of their 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland and his participation on Sunday was in doubt

Germany central defender Jerome Boateng returned to training today after overcoming a muscle injury, and appeared fit for Sunday's Euro 2016 round of 16 clash against Slovakia. Boateng picked up a calf muscle injury towards the end of their 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland this week, and his participation on Sunday was in doubt. He did not train with the team on Friday, undergoing an individual session involving cycling and jogging, and seemed fit on Saturday, as Germany prepare for their departure to Lille later in the day. The 27-year-old, who has resumed his World-Cup winning partnership in central defence with Mats Hummels, has helped the world champions keep a clean sheet in all three of their group stage matches in the tournament so far. The winner of the round of 16 match will next play either Italy or Euro holders Spain in the quarter-finals. (Reuters)

Germany's Jerome Boateng back in training for Slovakia game

England had to settle for a goalless draw against Slovakia on Monday although that was enough for Roy Hodgson&#39;s team to reach the knockout phase by finishing second in Group B behind Wales. 
 
England dominated the match but their failure to beat Slovakia, who came third and should also go through to the last 16, means they will face the runners-up of Group F. 
 
England made six changes and their new-look lineup created several chances, with Jamie Vardy, Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne and substitute Deli Alli making efforts to break the deadlock. 
 
But despite the roar of their fans, who vastly outnumbered Slovakia&#39;s in the St Etienne stadium, known locally as the cauldron, they could not find a way through the Slovak defence. 
 
England are second in the group with five points, one behind first-placed Wales who beat Russia 3-0 and will play their last 16 tie in Nice on June 27. 
 
If England had finished top, they would have played a third-placed team in Paris two days earlier in a location much closer to their training base which would have suited Hodgson. 
 
Slovakia, on four points, must wait to see if they go through as one of the four best third-placed teams. 
 
Hodgson took a major gamble by revamping the side that beat Wales 2-1 last Thursday, including resting captain Wayne Rooney, and saw his team make a bright start. 
 
Vardy posed a constant threat in the first half and full back Clyne, replacing Kyle Walker, regularly troubled the Slovak defence with probing runs down the right wing. 
 
Vardy fired just over the bar in the opening minutes, and then flicked on a header that set up a chance for strike partner Daniel Sturridge. 
 
Soon after, Vardy outsprinted fullback Martin Skrtel, running onto a long ball inside the penalty area but firing his shot straight at keeper Matus Kozacik. 
 
In one of England&#39;s best moves, a pass from Clyne set up Lallana for a stinging shot that forced a diving two-handed save from Kozacik. 
 
For Slovakia, Viktor Pecovsky shot harmlessly over the bar, and Marek Hamsik wriggled clear of centre-half Gary Cahill and fired across the face of goal. 
 
With Wales leading Russia at halftime, England came out for the second half knowing they needed to score in their quest to finish top. 
 
They had anxious moments when a mix-up between goalkeeper Joe Hart and defender Chris Smalling nearly let in Robert Mak, and Vladimir Weiss had a low shot saved, but otherwise they continued to put Slovakia under pressure. 
 
Clyne&#39;s shot from a narrow angle bounced off the keeper&#39;s shoulder and Alli, with his first touch after coming off the bench, forced a goal line clearance from Skrtel. 
 
Sturridge just failed to get a touch on a long pass into the penalty area and Rooney, on as substitute, had a shot from 20 metres deflected wide.&nbsp; 
 
Striker Harry Kane also came on and put a header wide, while a Gary Cahill header from a corner went straight at Kozacik. 
 
With Prince William, among the crowd, grimacing and holding his head at a series of near-misses, England kept pushing for a goal but to no avail. 
 
(Reuters)

They finish second in group B behind surprise toppers Wales

England had to settle for a goalless draw against Slovakia on Monday although that was enough for Roy Hodgson's team to reach the knockout phase by finishing second in Group B behind Wales. England dominated the match but their failure to beat Slovakia, who came third and should also go through to the last 16, means they will face the runners-up of Group F. England made six changes and their new-look lineup created several chances, with Jamie Vardy, Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne and substitute Deli Alli making efforts to break the deadlock. But despite the roar of their fans, who vastly outnumbered Slovakia's in the St Etienne stadium, known locally as the cauldron, they could not find a way through the Slovak defence. England are second in the group with five points, one behind first-placed Wales who beat Russia 3-0 and will play their last 16 tie in Nice on June 27. If England had finished top, they would have played a third-placed team in Paris two days earlier in a location much closer to their training base which would have suited Hodgson. Slovakia, on four points, must wait to see if they go through as one of the four best third-placed teams. Hodgson took a major gamble by revamping the side that beat Wales 2-1 last Thursday, including resting captain Wayne Rooney, and saw his team make a bright start. Vardy posed a constant threat in the first half and full back Clyne, replacing Kyle Walker, regularly troubled the Slovak defence with probing runs down the right wing. Vardy fired just over the bar in the opening minutes, and then flicked on a header that set up a chance for strike partner Daniel Sturridge. Soon after, Vardy outsprinted fullback Martin Skrtel, running onto a long ball inside the penalty area but firing his shot straight at keeper Matus Kozacik. In one of England's best moves, a pass from Clyne set up Lallana for a stinging shot that forced a diving two-handed save from Kozacik. For Slovakia, Viktor Pecovsky shot harmlessly over the bar, and Marek Hamsik wriggled clear of centre-half Gary Cahill and fired across the face of goal. With Wales leading Russia at halftime, England came out for the second half knowing they needed to score in their quest to finish top. They had anxious moments when a mix-up between goalkeeper Joe Hart and defender Chris Smalling nearly let in Robert Mak, and Vladimir Weiss had a low shot saved, but otherwise they continued to put Slovakia under pressure. Clyne's shot from a narrow angle bounced off the keeper's shoulder and Alli, with his first touch after coming off the bench, forced a goal line clearance from Skrtel. Sturridge just failed to get a touch on a long pass into the penalty area and Rooney, on as substitute, had a shot from 20 metres deflected wide. Striker Harry Kane also came on and put a header wide, while a Gary Cahill header from a corner went straight at Kozacik. With Prince William, among the crowd, grimacing and holding his head at a series of near-misses, England kept pushing for a goal but to no avail. (Reuters)

England draw Slovakia 0-0 but go through to last 16

Germany thumped Slovakia 3-0 with goals from Jerome Boateng, Mario Gomez and Julian Draxler to cruise into the Euro 2016 quarter-finals on Sunday and confirm their status as tournament favourites with a sparkling performance. 
 
Central defender Boateng, who had been passed fit after an injury, connected perfectly with a clearance in the eighth minute to volley home from 25 metres for his first international goal as the world champions took control from the start. 
 
The Germans, who next face either holders Spain or Italy, saw Mesut Ozil&#39;s weak 13th minute penalty saved but Gomez made no mistake two minutes from halftime when he tapped home a perfect cut back from the marauding Julian Draxler. 
 
Draxler, coming into the starting lineup for the lacklustre Mario Goetze, was then left with far too much space at the far post to volley in their third just past the hour as the Germans kept a fourth straight clean sheet at the finals. 
 
Comfortable with either foot, the winger utilised his speed and intelligence to good effect, helping his side pin the Slovaks in their own half for much of the opening period. 
 
Boateng opened the scoring with a deflected volley following a corner and ran to celebrate with team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt, who helped him recover from a muscle injury sustained in their last group game with Northern Ireland. 
 
Ozil&#39;s weak penalty, well saved by Matus Kozacik, was one of the few blemishes in an otherwise superb Germany performance. 
 
Slovakia may have got the better of the Germans in a pre-Euro 2016 friendly but, apart from a few forays forward, they were all at sea. 
 
Five minutes before halftime Juraj Kucka forced a flying save from Germany captain Manuel Neuer as he sent Peter Pekarik&#39;s cross toward the top corner. 
 
Germany hit back immediately, Draxler turning Kucka inside out before squaring for Gomez to stab the ball home from close range to make it 2-0. 
 
Slovakia were marginally better in the second half but when the excellent Draxler hooked a volley into the top corner in the 63rd minute there was no way back. 
 
Draxler and Boateng were replaced by Lukas Podolski and Benedikt Hoewedes nine minutes later as the game took on the air of a friendly with Germany&#39;s place in the last eight against Spain or Italy already booked. 
 
(Reuters)

Ozil's weak penalty, well saved by Matus Kozacik, was one of the few blemishes in an otherwise superb Germany performance

Germany thumped Slovakia 3-0 with goals from Jerome Boateng, Mario Gomez and Julian Draxler to cruise into the Euro 2016 quarter-finals on Sunday and confirm their status as tournament favourites with a sparkling performance. Central defender Boateng, who had been passed fit after an injury, connected perfectly with a clearance in the eighth minute to volley home from 25 metres for his first international goal as the world champions took control from the start. The Germans, who next face either holders Spain or Italy, saw Mesut Ozil's weak 13th minute penalty saved but Gomez made no mistake two minutes from halftime when he tapped home a perfect cut back from the marauding Julian Draxler. Draxler, coming into the starting lineup for the lacklustre Mario Goetze, was then left with far too much space at the far post to volley in their third just past the hour as the Germans kept a fourth straight clean sheet at the finals. Comfortable with either foot, the winger utilised his speed and intelligence to good effect, helping his side pin the Slovaks in their own half for much of the opening period. Boateng opened the scoring with a deflected volley following a corner and ran to celebrate with team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt, who helped him recover from a muscle injury sustained in their last group game with Northern Ireland. Ozil's weak penalty, well saved by Matus Kozacik, was one of the few blemishes in an otherwise superb Germany performance. Slovakia may have got the better of the Germans in a pre-Euro 2016 friendly but, apart from a few forays forward, they were all at sea. Five minutes before halftime Juraj Kucka forced a flying save from Germany captain Manuel Neuer as he sent Peter Pekarik's cross toward the top corner. Germany hit back immediately, Draxler turning Kucka inside out before squaring for Gomez to stab the ball home from close range to make it 2-0. Slovakia were marginally better in the second half but when the excellent Draxler hooked a volley into the top corner in the 63rd minute there was no way back. Draxler and Boateng were replaced by Lukas Podolski and Benedikt Hoewedes nine minutes later as the game took on the air of a friendly with Germany's place in the last eight against Spain or Italy already booked. (Reuters)

Germany cruise into last eight with 3-0 Slovakia win

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