Bratislava, May 17 (TASR) - Vice-premier and Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) hasn't yet said whether the Smer-SD party will take part in the meeting of parliamentary parties initiated by President Zuzana Caputova and her successor Peter Pellegrini following the assassination attempt on Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD).

Kalinak told a news conference held in front of Banska Bystrica hospital on Friday that he understands the call, but he hasn't discussed it with his colleagues or the premier yet.

"I've noticed the offer that came from the president, but I haven't had a chance to think about it more deeply or consult it with my colleagues, as we are now focusing on other priorities," said the vice-premier. He understands the call given the current situation in society and the need to de-escalate tension.

He added that he hasn't yet had the opportunity to speak to the premier about it, either. He stressed that Fico is still the premier and is active as much as his condition allows. "It's limited," he said when asked about communication with Fico. However, he declared that the government is able to do everything it needs to do and still has a premier.