BRATISLAVA, September 21. /TASS/. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has stated that the world has turned upside down and that those who advocate for war are being portrayed as peacemakers. His remarks, made on the occasion of the International Day of Peace observed on Monday, were released by the Slovak government's press service.

"The world has turned upside down. Those who seek peace are labeled bad guys, while warmongers are hailed as peacemakers. Over the past week alone, I have probably uttered the word 'peace' a hundred times. I will keep talking about it constantly," Fico pledged. "Peace is something that should unite us all, with full respect for differences in opinion and outlook. Let us remember this!"

"In 2001, the UN designated September 21 as the International Day of Peace. It is symbolic that world leaders are gathering in New York on this very day for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly," Fico noted.

He concluded his message by quoting Vladimir Strmen, a Slovak World War II veteran, who recently issued this call to everyone: "Let us cherish peace, for it came at such a high price!".