NEWS

Prime Minister Pahor and the Speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies

The Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, today held talks with the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic, Miloslav Vlček.   In their talks they focused on European topics, in particular the European Union enlargement in the Western Balkans, and also touched upon bilateral issues.

 

(Foto: Kistina Kosec/Bobo)

 

“The problems of the Western Balkans are greater than the attention paid to them by the European Union,” noted the Slovenian Prime Minister, adding, “We are pleased that there is no war in this region but peace has not yet brought about long-term stability and development in the countries of the region.” Slovenia would like to see the integration of the Western Balkan countries into the European Union as soon as possible and would provide support to this end, assured Mr Pahor.

 

The Prime Minister also presented the well-known Slovenian positions on Croatia's negotiations with the European Union. “We do understand that the Czech Presidency wishes to further the enlargement process. The Slovenian Government supports this but it also expects the Czech Presidency to understand the Slovenian positions,” said Prime Minister Pahor.

 

At the request of his guest, the Prime Minister presented Slovenia’s experience gained during its EU Council Presidency, with an emphasis on co-operation between the government and parliament. He found this co-operation exemplary, and went on to say that, as the leader of the largest opposition party, he had never objected to any government decision concerning the EU leadership, even though he had not always agreed with them. He also emphasised the important role played by MEPs from the presiding Member State during the Presidency.

 

Concerning bilateral relations between Slovenia and the Czech Republic, Mr Pahor and Mr Vlček agreed that there were no unresolved issues and that the two countries share common values, tradition and ambitions for the future. In the Prime Minister's words, this is a solid basis for future co-operation.