PARIS, May  15, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - World leaders reacted with shock and
condemnation after Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico suffered
life-threatening gunshot wounds Wednesday in what officials said was an
assassination attempt.

- US condemns 'horrific act' -

US President Joe Biden condemned the shooting as a "horrific act of
violence," adding that he and First Lady Jill Biden "are praying for a swift
recovery, and our thoughts are with his family and the people of Slovakia."

- Ukraine 'strongly condemns' -

"We strongly condemn this act of violence against our neighbouring partner
state's head of government. Every effort should be made to ensure that violence
does not become the norm in any country, form, or sphere," said Ukrainian
President Volodymyr Zelensky.

- Putin cites 'heinous crime' -

"I know Robert Fico to be a courageous and strong-spirited man. I very much
hope that these qualities will help him to withstand this difficult situation,"
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a statement released by the Kremlin,
that called the shooting a "heinous crime".

- UN's 'thoughts with PM" –

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the "shocking attack
carried out today against the prime minister of Slovakia," his office said.
Guterres's "thoughts are with the prime minister and his loved ones at this
difficult moment," spokesman Farhan Haq said.

- EU says 'violence undermines democracy' -

"I strongly condemn the vile attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico. Such
acts of violence have no place in our society and undermine democracy, our most
precious common good. My thoughts are with PM Fico, his family," said EU chief
Ursula von der Leyen.

- Macron offers 'solidarity' -

"Shocked by the shooting of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. I strongly
condemn this attack," French President Emmanuel Macron said on X, formerly
Twitter. "My thoughts and solidarity are with him, his family and the people of
Slovakia."

- Germany calls for 'end to violence in politics' -

"I am deeply shocked by the news of the cowardly attack on Slovakian Prime
Minister Fico," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, also calling for an end to
"violence in European politics".

- NATO chief urges 'speedy recovery' -

"I wish him strength for a speedy recovery. My thoughts are with Robert
Fico, his loved ones, and the people of Slovakia," NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg
said.

- Italy in 'deep shock' -

"I learned with deep shock the news of the cowardly attack," Italy's Prime
Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement that also stressed the her
government's "strongest condemnation of all forms of violence and attacks on
the cardinal principles of democracy and freedom".

- Iran wishes 'speedy recovery' -

The Iranian foreign ministry said in a statement that it "condemns the
assassination attempt against the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic" and
"wishes (him) good health and a speedy recovery."

- Hungary slams 'heinous attack' -

"I was deeply shocked by the heinous attack against my friend, Prime
Minister Robert Fico. We pray for his health and quick recovery! God bless him
and his country!," said Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

- Serbia 'prays for wounded PM' -

"I am shocked by the attempted assassination of Robert Fico, a great friend
to me and to Serbia. Dear friend, I pray for you and for your health," said
Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic.

- Spain 'horrified' -

"Horrified and outraged at the attack on the Slovak Prime Minister. Spain
stands with Robert Fico, his family and the Slovak people at this extremely
difficult time. Nothing can ever justify violence," Spanish Prime Minister
Pedro Sanche posted on X.

- Austria says no to violence –

"The attempt on the life of my Slovak colleague Robert Fico shocks me
deeply. Just a few days ago we spoke on the phone and talked intensively about
security issues. I wish him a speedy and complete recovery! Hatred and violence
must not take hold in our democracies and must be fought with all
determination!," said Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer on X.