Prime Minister of the RS, Janez Janša, attended the ceremony, held at the memorial park of the Manoeuvre Structure of Territorial Defence in Kočevska reka, marking the 15th anniversary of the first permanent force of Territorial Defence of the RS line-up, the first oath-taking and combat flag presenting and the 16th anniversary of the first special brigade MORiS line-up.
 

Photo by: Nebojša Tejić, Salomon 2000
 
In his speech, the Prime Minister stressed that 15 years ago each individual took a silent oath to his motherland, independent Slovenia, and the then territorial defence members were willing to defend it by fighting with arms and sacrificing their lives. "There would be no independent Slovenia without readiness to defend this decision with force, namely to use arms to protect the decision taken at the Slovenian plebiscite. This was also the most significant implication of the oath, while the ultimate test during the formation of the Slovenian army was the war fought for independent Slovenia," said the Prime Minister.
 
This was the foundation for new generations of the Slovenian Army to take oath in free and peaceful Slovenia, according to the Prime Minister, highlighting a bright tradition of the Slovenian Army. "What we have today must not be taken for granted; after 15 years, the lingering doubts may be dispelled."
 
According to Janša, the Slovenian Army has developed over the years and successfully carries out its tasks also in the international area. The Prime Minister recalled his recent visit to Iraq paid to Slovenian instructors participating in training of the Iraqi security forces. Janša upheld the Slovenia's decision to send its instructors to Iraq as they act in the national interest and successfully represent Slovenia, which is also recognized by others.