At today's press conference the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, talked about current issues, focusing on recent events in bilateral relations with Croatia and on developments relating to the appointment of a new Governor of the Bank of Slovenia.

(Photo: Office of the Prime Minister)

As the foremost important fact in the bilateral relations the PM noted that the cooperation in the area of economy as well as in various other fields between Slovenia and Croatia is strong, since there are far more issues which unite rather than divide the two countries. “Despite this, it is true that there are some outstanding issues in our relations which will need to be resolved in the future," said PM Janša, adding that the current atmosphere, which is gradually intensifying during the pre-election period in Croatia, makes it very difficult to seek constructive approaches to resolve these issues.

"Relations with Slovenia have always been a pre-election issue in Croatia, which means we can expect similar events," PM Janša said relating to recent events in bilateral relations and certain unilateral actions on the part of Croatia. According to the PM, it is perfectly clear that no unilateral action, which changes the situation between the countries as it was on 25 June 1991, will be implemented nor acknowledged. Such actions on the part of Croatia can always be legally contested on the basis of the agreements and signed statements between the two countries. As a consequence the Slovenian government will begin the relevant legal procedures with regard to the recent events around the Dragonja river.

"The only thing which is valid here and which is set down in the Basic Constitutional Charters of both countries, is a constitutional commitment to respect the situation – in particular with regard to border issues – which was valid between Slovenian and Croatia on the day of independence," said the PM, stressing that the final agreement, regardless of whether it will be reached bilaterally or through a third party, will take this fact into account. "The situation can only change if both parties agree."

The PM stressed that the actions of the Slovenian government were appropriate and carefully considered, as Slovenia has no reason for alarm, or to take advantage of the issue by making it a matter for internal political debate.

Commenting the recent developments regarding the appointment of a new Governor of the Bank of Slovenia the PM stressed that it is not within the authority of the Government to decide on this matter. "The Government has not reached and will not reach any decisions on this issue. This is within the authority of the National Assembly, while the law gives the President of the Republic the authority to nominate candidates. It is a question of co-responsibility," said the PM, adding that he expected the President of the Republic of Slovenia and the National Assembly to act responsibly.

The PM denied statements circulating in some of the media that the Government or the PM himself rejected some candidates, since no consultation with the President of the Republic respective to this issue has taken place. When the President of the Republic informed PM Janša of his proposal for the new Governor, the PM merely expressed his opinion that the usual practice should be observed, according to which the President, after consulting parliamentary groups, nominated one of the candidates who had applied for the position following the open call for applications.

The PM assessed that what had occurred with regard to the first candidate might be repeated with the second. "This does not lead into an institutional crisis. It is, however, possible that the appointment procedure as laid down by law will have to be made more specific," said the PM, adding that he expected the Bank of Slovenia would be led by someone with integrity, who is competent to run the institution and take advantage of the new opportunities which had arisen with Slovenia’s accession to the Eurozone.

The PM also responded to media questions with regard to relations with Italy and the post-war history of the two countries. He said these issues should be resolved amicably and within the EU without burdening the bilateral relations. Furthermore he touched upon the issue of Slovenia’s participation in peace-keeping missions, particularly the deployment of Slovenian troops in Kosovo, where a battalion is to be deployed in a few days. The PM said it was more logical to send the resources there, where their presence has greater effect then somewhere far away, which is more expensive and less effective. According to the PM, by deploying the contingent, Slovenia is assuming its share of responsibility for ensuring the stabilisation and the permanent resolution of the Kosovo question.