NEWS

Prime Minister Pahor attends Europa-Forum Wachau 2011 conference

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, today attended the Europa-Forum Wachau 2011 conference entitled 'Regional Politics – World Politics', where he was the keynote speaker. In his introductory address, Prime Minister Pahor said that the problems of the modern world have escalated to dangerous levels. 'Here I am referring mainly to economic, social, moral and security issues,' pointed out the Prime Minister. In this context, he touched upon the question whether — by applying the existing instruments of international dialogue, implementing crisis mechanisms, and making efforts to settle disputes amicably — the international community is capable of overcoming this escalation without provoking serious conflict.

   

Prime Minister Pahor went on to emphasise that the aforementioned intensification has had a significant influence on the decisions he has taken on foreign policy matters and domestic political challenges in his role as the Slovenian Prime Minister. 'Had I decided to take the easy option, I would not have chosen to tackle such a sensitive issue as the resolution of the border dispute with Croatia at the very start of my term of office,' stressed the Prime Minister. Slovenia commenced with the resolution of this issue at a time when trust between the two nations and countries was at an all time low. The signing of the international arbitration agreement was mainly attributable to the awareness of both countries that there was no other option. The signing of the agreement and its approval in the referendum had a very positive impact on developments throughout South-East Europe. Therefore, the Brdo process was launched on a joint initiative put forward by the Croatian Prime Minister, Jadranka Kosor, and myself,' said Prime Minister Pahor, adding that it was at this point that dialogue commenced between the nations and states in this part of Europe to resolve their mutual political and other issues. He further pointed out the fact that dialogue has started between Belgrade and Priština, visa liberalisation has come into effect and some countries have made progress in moving closer to EU accession. There is no doubt that the Brdo process has played a key role in these positive developments, noted Prime Minister Pahor.

 

(Photo: Daniel Novakovič/SPA)

 

'By referring to the circumstances in a particular region, I wanted to illustrate how an unwavering political will to resolve disputes in a peaceful manner allied to a desire for progress can, to a certain extent, alter the course of the future, and how, on the other hand, a lack of political will is, also to a certain extent, capable of frustrating its course,' added the Prime Minister. In this context, he raised the question as to whether the region's experiences could be applied to the wider international community. President Pahor is of the view that if the world's policy makers and elites decide to take reasonable decisions early enough and advocate dialogue for the pursuit of peace and justice, then there is a possibility that the world will take the right path: the path of peace and progress. 'By adhering as much as possible to our potential political will, we must strive for the peaceful resolution of issues, for international dialogue and tolerance, and to overcome the economic and social problems in a manner which will, by navigating through the turbulent waters of the crisis, help us to help the majority of the society and not just the privileged elites,' explained Prime Minister Pahor, concluding his address.