In his response to a journalist's question at a regular press briefing, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, touched upon the speech delivered by the President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, on the occasion of the National Memorial Day of the Exiles and Foibe, which is celebrated in Italy on 10 February.

(Photo: Bobo)

With regard to the recent history of the countries in this region of Europe, the PM stressed that Slovenia believes that such issues should be resolved in a tolerant way and in European spirit without burdening current bilateral relations between the countries. According to the PM, Slovenia expects the representatives the official Italian politics to act in such a way.

Mr Janša also denounced claims about alleged demands to revise international agreements with the Italian Republic that have recently been circulating, saying that there has been no official request for a revision of existing agreements, and therefore, all speculation on this issue was pointless.

It is also worth noting that at a cabinet session on 17 February 2005, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia approved a detailed position statement relating to current debates on recent history and Slovenia's relations with her neighbours.