Today the Prime Minister Janez Janša visited the Vatican and Rome. At the Holy See, he met Pope Benedict XVI and the Cardinal Secretary of State, Tarcisio Bertone, to whom he presented the priorities of Slovenia's EU Presidency, and discussed with them outstanding bilateral issues. In Rome, the Slovenia PM met the Italian Prime Minister, Romano Prodi, to discuss bilateral relations, the future of the EU, and the situation in the neighbourhood.
(Photo: Tina Kosec/Bobo)
After the talks at the Holy See, the PM said he was glad about the visit. Relations between the two countries have been friendly ever since Slovenia gained independence, and many steps have been taken during this time towards concrete collaboration on an equal basis. As a result, Slovenia has hosted two visits at the highest level. The PM invited the Pope to visit Slovenia. "We are looking forward to a new visit from the Holy Father in Slovenia," he said, adding that 2009 would perhaps be a good opportunity, since the year will mark the 10th anniversary since the beatification of Bishop Anton Martin Slomšek, who is an important symbol of Slovenia's spiritual and national strength.
The PM also presented to the Pope and the Cardinal Secretary of State the priorities of Slovenia's EU Presidency, stressing the continuation of enlargement policies and intercultural dialogue. The beginning of Slovenia's Presidency will coincide with the beginning of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, during which the role of the Holy See will be very important.
(Photo: Tina Kosec/Bobo)
The PM and his hosts exchanged views on certain outstanding issues between Slovenia and the Holy See, such as the question of the location of a new Nunciature, which, according to the PM, "…has been dragging on for a long time; and despite the agreements reached in the past, the issue is getting lost in channels of municipal bureaucracy." They also discussed denationalisation, which is being conducted in accordance with Slovenian laws, and expressed satisfaction that the process is gradually coming to an end.
The PM also discussed with his hosts matters pertaining to the Religious Freedom Act and the Agreement between the Republic of Slovenia and the Holy See on Legal Issues from 2002 which still remain unsolved, such as the issue of providing religious services in institutions where these are not readily available. "In Slovenia we handle these issues in accordance with the Constitution and legislation on an equal basis with all religious communities. Slovenia will do the same with regard to the proposal for an agreement between Slovenia and the Holy See on religious services in the defence forces, police and penal institutions. In regulating these issues, we seek to follow the good practices of other EU and NATO member states, which did so long time ago and have similar legislation to Slovenia. We have informed our hosts that these procedures are yet to be launched formally," said PM Janez Janša at a press conference.
(Photo: Tina Kosec/Bobo)
In the afternoon, the PM met the President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic, Romano Prodi. They agreed that relations between the two countries are very good, while they are closely cooperating within multilateral institutions, particularly the EU and NATO. In line with the recently signed memorandum on cooperation between the Slovenian and Italian Governments, a meeting of key ministers has been set for January. The meeting, according to PM Janez Janša, will be an opportunity to discuss concrete issues relating to collaboration in the fields of traffic, logistics, energy and environmental protection.
Italy is Slovenia's second largest trading partner, and the Slovenian side expressed satisfaction over increasing trade. In 2006, trade amounted to EUR6.4 billion, which is 15% up on 2005. "We especially appreciate positive trends with regard to the protection of the Slovenian minority and the implementation of the Protection Regulations which apply in 32 municipalities. We also welcome the decision of the Italian Senate to increase funds for the Slovenian minority. In the last three years, Slovenia has increased funds for the Italian minority by 35%, and will continue to raise standards in the future," said PM Janez Janša.
(Photo: Tina Kosec/Bobo)
The PMs also exchanged views on future challenges in the region, where important decisions await the EU in the coming months. "Together we will make every effort, so that the European Union will unanimously accept these decisions," stressed the Slovenian PM. In his view, Slovenia is not the only country wishing to see consent from both Belgrade and Priština on Kosovo's future status. "Unfortunately, this is not the case at the moment. Yesterday's last round of negotiations was unsuccessful and now all eyes are on the international community and especially the EU. Kosovo lies in our backyard, which makes it a European issue and not an issue for the Russian Federation or the USA," cautioned PM Janez Janša, adding that the only way forward was to reach a unanimous decision in the UN Security Council. The Slovenian PM expressed hope that opportunities for this would arise once the troika submits its report. "If this does not work and there are different options on the table, Slovenia will make every effort to see that the European Union responds with one voice and reaches a decision once this can be done unanimously."
In reply to a question about the Croatian Eco-Fishing zone in the Adriatic, which Croatia intends to enforce no later than 1 January 2008, so as to apply also to EU member states, PM Janez Janša said he was convinced that Croatia would observe the agreement it had signed with the EU in 2004, with which Mr Prodi also agreed. Both PMs believe that this issue would best be resolved within the EU, i.e. in collaboration between Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and the European Commission. PM Janez Janša also said he expected that a government would soon be formed in Zagreb, which would facilitate further talks.
(Photo: Tina Kosec/Bobo)
In conclusion, the Slovenian PM expressed satisfaction over another approaching meeting with his host Romano Prodi scheduled for 22 December 2007 at the Škofije border crossing to mark the removal of Schengen borders. In his view, this will facilitate even better contacts between the two countries, while further collaboration will be governed by the principles of the European spirit, understanding and responsibility for the welfare of both peoples and minorities.
