PRESIDENT KUCAN RECEIVES BODO HOMBACH

Ljubljana, 24 April 2001



In spite of initial scepticism, Slovenia saw the Stability Pact as a serious opportunity to allay and settle the situation in SE Europe and, accordingly, it also seriously took on the implementation of the tasks at hand, said President Kucan in today's talks with Bodo Hombach, Special Co-ordinator for the Stability Pact. Mr Hombach expressly thanked Slovenia for the role it plays as a stabiliser, moderator and conveyor of experience to the SE Europe within the activities of the Pact.

Among the tasks of the Pact the President pointed out the fundamental one of strengthening democratisation and protection of human rights, particularly minority rights. In the President's opinion only a change in mentality, especially in relation to ethnic minorities, will be the test to show whether policies in SE Europe will indeed undergo substantive changes. Without such changes, believes the President, it remains questionable whether the Stability Pact's efforts will be sufficient in spite of the good intentions and successful projects. Regardless of the Pact, ever-new issues are namely being opened and new hot spots are emerging. Proposals offered as an alternative to the implementation and strengthening of modern democratic values, including ideas on changing borders, are meagre alternatives and a very poor guarantee for peace and stability, President Kuèan also stressed in his talks with Bodo Hombach.