Europe may face similar terrorist attacks in the coming months as those which occurred in Paris on Friday, November 13, believes Prime Minister Robert Fico. Both Fico and French Ambassador to Slovakia Didier Lopinot paid tribute to the victims of Friday's Paris attacks with one minute of silence in front of the French Embassy in Bratislava. Likewise, President Andrej Kiska and Speaker of Parliament Peter Pellegrini held a minute of silence to honour the victims of terrorism in France. "The situation in Syria and other countries does not indicate that terrorist attacks will stop. Therefore, vigilance and the implementation of all legal possibilities in the fight against terrorism are all things that will be an absolute priority for my government", Fico stated.

Security analyst Milan Žitný echoed the prime minister's comments, adding that while the risk of further attacks remains, it mainly applies to countries that conduct airstrikes against Islamic State - USA, France, Great Britain, Russia and Iran, with the latter two militarily supporting the Syrian Government. Žitný commented that, "for those countries of the EU which don't participate in these operations, the security risk has not increased tangibly", though he mentioned 'lone wolf' terrorist attacks in Slovakia could not be ruled out.

Another great risk stems from the fact that the presence of terrorists among immigrants has been confirmed, added Žitný. "Therefore, it's necessary to expect that more than one have come to Europe and their current whereabouts are unknown, yet they operate with specific tasks: to prepare further attacks", claimed the security analyst.

The prime minister wants to hold another meeting of the Security Council of the Slovak Republic to discuss whether Slovakia needs new anti-terrorism legislation. France has asked its closest allies for help. EU defence ministers unanimously voted for assistance to Paris on Tuesday. The methods of assistance will be discussed at further talks.

Gavin Shoebridge, Photo: TASR