NEWS

Prime Minister’s press conference

At a press conference today, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, outlined the major resolutions and decisions adopted by the Government at its 49th regular session.

  

(Foto: Tamino Petelinšek/STA)

 

Also at today’s session, the Government agreed on the text of the proposed amendments to the Foreign Affairs Act, which is to be submitted to the National Assembly for discussion and adoption. The proposed amendments place greater emphasis on building a diplomatic career and lay down in more detail the competences of bodies and institutions in the appointment of heads of diplomatic missions.  Stricter conditions will apply to appointing heads of diplomatic or consular missions, as well as to the criteria used for their appointment. Prime Minister Pahor expressed full support for the amended Act, saying that it "allows the state to choose a certain number of non-career diplomats whom it considers most suitable to meet the needs and interests of the Republic of Slovenia, as well as the requirements of the post offered, to serve as ambassadors if the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Government and the President of the Republic deem it appropriate."

 

The ministers in office today agreed on the text of the proposed amendments to the Electronic Communications Act, which aims to clarify existing provisions regarding the implementation of certain directives, amend provisions to facilitate the implementation of EU regulations and more appropriately regulate certain issues pertaining to the construction of electronic communications networks and related infrastructure, and the rights and protection of users.

 

At today’s session, the Government took note of the activities and measures undertaken with regard to the flu pandemic and of the recommended uniform cost of administering the flu vaccine, which stands at EUR 7. Experts and health authorities intend to take preventive measures to limit the spread of the infection as effectively as possible and provide medical care for those in whom the infection has progressed.  At present, Slovenia has enough supplies of antiviral drugs and has ordered enough vaccine. 

  

At the press conference, Prime Minister Pahor also answered questions related to the signing of the arbitration agreement between Slovenia and Croatia, explaining that the agreement will be signed when both signatories have been given a mandate to sign it. "I already have the mandate, and now I am waiting for the Croatian Prime Minister to be given it as well," he said.