NEWS

Prime Minister at Press Conference

After the Government meeting, Slovenian Prime Minister Borut Pahor held a press conference at which he emphasised the widespread diplomatic and political consensus in Slovenia on solving open issues associated with recent developments in relations with Croatia. According to Mr Pahor, the Slovenian Government is obliged to duly protect Slovenia's national interests. Therefore, it seems proper that Slovenia's reservations regarding Croatia's accession to the EU should also be clearly articulated: "Slovenia wants and is striving for a solution, one which will protect Slovenia's national interests and enable Croatia to proceed with the negotiation process," Mr Pahor pointed out.

 

 

(Foto: Bor Slana/Bobo)

 

On this occasion, the Prime Minister repeatedly emphasised that he wished to meet with the Croatian Prime Minister, Ivo Sanader. "The sooner this meeting takes place, the sooner we will be able, under the Czech Presidency, to arrive at a common solution."

 

As regards a possible referendum on Croatia's accession to the EU, Mr Pahor said that he personally does not support it. It is for this very reason that the Slovenian Government is making efforts to resolve disagreements with Croatia in the shortest possible time. "We cannot afford to sweep the problems under the rug," as this, Mr Pahor is convinced, would mean that demands for a referendum in the Slovenian political space will increase.

 

 

(Foto: Bor Slana/Bobo)

 

As regards lessening the current economic and financial uncertainty, the Prime Minister explained that the Slovenian Government would submit the adopted measures to the National Assembly for discussion this Monday at an extraordinary session.  In touching upon this issue Mr Pahor pointed out that the Slovenian Government would adopt any better proposal, as "these days there is no time for political prestige". In adopting any further measures, the Government will do its best to preserve the competitiveness of the Slovenian economy and to help exporting companies maintain their business ties. One of the target measures intended to lessen the economic crisis should, according to Mr Pahor, be the preservation and rescue of workplaces.