The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr Janez Janša, spoke to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Finland, Mr Matti Vanhanen, after false accusations had been made against PM Janez Janša in the YLE broadcast “The Truth about Patria”. After verifying the situation, Mr Vanhanen assured the Slovenian Prime Minister that the Finnish authorities were investigating no suspicions against any member of the Slovenian Government whatsoever, or indeed, against any Slovenian citizen.

 

(Photo: Kristina Kosec/Bobo)

 

As with the interviews of other persons who had appeared in the YLE broadcast, Slovenian investigators yesterday interviewed Prime Minister Janez Janša. The only question addressed to the Prime Minister pertained to the accusation made in the broadcast. Investigators explained to the Prime Minister that there was nothing in the investigation to corroborate the allegations made in the broadcast and no foundation whatsoever for the Prime Minister's interrogation.

 

Moreover, it must be stressed that the diplomatic note submitted to the Finnish side by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was not aimed at interfering with the operations of the Finnish Broadcasting Company and does not obstruct freedom of the press. The diplomatic note was issued in response to the allegation made by the journalist in the above broadcast, claiming that proof for his accusation was to be found in the Finnish state company. Given the denial to this effect issued by Patria yesterday, the fabrication by those who appeared in the broadcast is falling to pieces, according to the Slovenian Prime Minister.

 

In connection with the extraordinary session of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia scheduled to be held next week the Prime Minister expects the reports submitted by the competent authorities to yield specific information and allay at least some of the suspicions. The extraordinary session cannot be expected, however, to supply the principal answer as to the whereabouts of the proof for these absurd accusations; such an answer can only be given by those who actually made the accusations.