NEWS
Prime Minister Pahor at a video conference with members of Slovenian Armed Forces attached to military representations abroad or participating in international operations and missions
By way of a video conference, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, today addressed members of the Slovenian Armed Forces attached to military representations abroad or participating in international operations and missions (VOPRE, NMR, KFOR, ISAF, ALTHEA and UNIFIL). In his address, he emphasised that "for their dedication and the high professional level of the work pursued within international operations and missions and in military representations abroad, members of the Slovenian Armed Forces certainly deserve to be highly commended." Mr Pahor added that the Slovenian Armed Forces are embedded in the Slovenian state, which would not even have existed without them, and registered his pleasure that today's event coincides with the eve of the national holiday.
(Foto: Daniel Novakovič/STA)
Through its presence in international operations and missions, and through its military representations abroad, Slovenia is strengthening its reputation and increasing its visibility in the world, Mr Pahor went on. Touching upon the nature of military service, Mr Pahor said that it is very demanding and hazardous, particularly in crisis-stricken areas abroad. This is something that all of society should be aware of. Therefore, members of the Slovenian Armed Forces must be given adequate support in performing their tasks abroad. A soldier acting as a representative of the Slovenian state in the international environment should feel the country's support and, in particular, political support from the Slovenian Government.
(Foto: Daniel Novakovič/STA)
After the address, Prime Minister Pahor posed a question to the representatives of missions as to whether the Government could in any way help to improve or facilitate their highly demanding work. At the same time, Mr Pahor made a clear declaration that Slovenia would participate in missions abroad only where it is in a position to secure the safety of its soldiers, or a reasonable risk. "You are out there in order to secure the peace and safety of people in the countries where you are stationed, while the task of the Slovenian Government is to provide the best possible conditions for your safety and adequate performance of your tasks," stressed Mr Pahor. He particularly highlighted the operation in Afghanistan and said that he expects the recent technical problems to be rectified soon.
"To all of you who in these festive days cannot be at home in the circle of your closest relatives, but must carry out a job which I highly appreciate, I extend my best wishes for the upcoming holidays," said Mr Pahor at the close of his address to the six missions. Alongside the Minister of Defence, Ljubica Jelušič, the event was attended by other senior representatives of the Slovenian Armed Forces.