Slovakia's government yesterday sacked the head of the security watchdog agency in a case that has alarmed the country's future partners in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and caused a rift in the fragile ruling coalition.
Prime Minister Mr Mikulas Dzurinda has been pushing to oust Mr Jan Mojzis, who leads Slovakia's NBU agency in charge of protecting state secrets, since last month when a first vote on the issue failed due to lack of support. "I am sure the future will confirm that this was the right thing to do, and even those who are against it now will agree with it," he told a news conference.
The prime minister has accused Mr Mojzis of corruption, but has refused to produce any evidence or details to back up his charges. The security boss denies any wrongdoing. Defence Minister Mr Ivan Simko was also sacked last month after he angered Mr Dzurinda for backing Mr Mojzis. Mr Mojzis told reporters after the decision that he would make a comment in the next few days.
Earlier attempts to remove Mr Simko and Mr Mojzis had raised eyebrows among European Union diplomats and caused consternation among NATO partners, who had expressed confidence in both men.
Slovakia is in line to join NATO next May. - (Reuters)