In brief
Miroslav Lajčák, national security adviser to Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico, has stepped down amid controversy stemming from newly released US documents, linking him to discussions with the late Jeffrey Epstein. Although Lajčák did not admit any wrongdoing, his resignation was prompted by concerns over the political fallout associated with his communications with Epstein. Prime Minister Fico acknowledged Lajčák's experience while condemning the criticism surrounding their association.
The national security adviser to Slovakia's prime minister has resigned after documents released by the US showed he exchanged messages about girls and diplomacy with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.Robert Fico announced he had accepted Miroslav Lajčák's departure in a video message on Saturday, describing the adviser as an incredible source of experience in diplomacy and foreign policy.The resignation comes a day after three million files relating to the influential financier were released by the US Department of Justice.While the files do not show any wrongdoing on the part of those featured, including Lajčák, they have raised renewed questions for those who associated with Epstein.In a text exchange from October 2018 - when Lajčák was serving as Slovakia's foreign minister - Lajčák and Epstein could be seen lightheartedly discussing women and a forthcoming meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.After Epstein sent an image, which cannot be seen in the record, Lajčák replies: Why don't you invite me for these games? I would take the 'MI' girl.Who wouldn't, Epstein texts back, adding: You can have them both, I am not possessive. And their sisters.Later on in the conversation, Epstein implores Lajčák to ask Lavrov to get him a t-shirt featuring Lavrov and Vitaly Churkin, a Russian ambassador to the UN who had died the previous year.You get the tee shirt. Then you get the girls, Epstein writes, to which Lajčák agrees.Despite initially denying any inappropriate discussions, Lajčák later stated his resignation was a preemptive measure to avoid further political damage to Fico.Fico characterized the public outrage over Lajčák's association with Epstein as an attack against me, and urged against the prevailing hypocrisy in the criticism.Lajčák had been a longstanding diplomat in Slovakia, serving in four governments and most recently as an EU special representative.
