The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, has opened the first phase of the new passenger terminal at the Jože Pučnik International Airport. The PM noted in his inaugural speech the important role played in the independence process by both the airport and Dr Jože Pučnik, and stressed the development of the airport in recent years, with the new premises being only the first step towards greater modernisation.

(Photo: Primož Lavre/Salomon 2000)

 

The first phase of the new terminal is a great asset for Slovenia, as it meets the Schengen standards for separating passengers. The EU evaluation commission inspected the airport one week ago, but has not yet published a report. Despite that, the PM said he shared the confidence of the airport management that the report would be positive and that the EU would approve of the airport establishing the Schengen regime in March 2008.

 

The PM noted the progress that the airport has made since the first planes took off from its runways in the 1960s. "Since then, much time has passed, which has been paved with effort," said the PM, noting the how the airport has developed by fulfilling bold and ambitious plans.

Prime Minister Janez Janša and the Chairman of Aerodrom Ljubljana, Zmago Skobi, cut a ribbon to symbolically open the new passenger terminal (Photo: Primož Lavre/Salomon 2000)

 

Today's airport is also an achievement of Slovenian independence, said the PM. According to PM Janša, it was here that the first operation took place ensuring that Slovenia received the first shipment of modern infantry weapons to replace those taken from the Territorial Defence Force. He also talked about the 10-day war and the fighting at the airport, and placed a wreath on the monument to the fallen during the war – a member of the Slovenian Territorial Defence Force and two foreign journalists.

 

The PM also mentioned the figure and work of Dr Jože Pučnik and his contribution to the democratisation of Slovenia. He elaborated on the government's decision to name one of the key infrastructure facilities in independent Slovenia after him. "If this had not taken place, this airport would never have been an international airport of the Slovenian state, but would have a different status. This airport could not have been Slovenia's main airport were it not for the person after whom it is named," said the PM, adding that Dr Pučnik had been prepared to stake his name and destiny on  realising the idea of an independent Slovenia.

 

Before the ceremony the PM also visited the police air unit, who are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the purchase of the first police helicopter. (Agusta Bell AB 47/J-2A).