PRESIDENT KUCAN RECEIVES MINISTER OF DEFENCE OF THE KINGDOM OF BELGIUM

Ljubljana, 1 March 2001



In his discussions with Andre Flahaut, Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Belgium, the President of the Republic, Milan Kucan, presented Slovenia's perspectives of the process of constructing a new common defence and security policy in Europe. Our common security is at stake, which is why Slovenia wishes to participate constructively and to contribute its share to the process.

The Balkan crisis is a European problem. Europe was not capable of resolving it on its own, which is why it needs to prepare itself adequately in order to ensure its own stability and security within the Euro-Atlantic alliance, President Kucan underlined. The President also informed his collocutor of Slovenia's efforts with regard to NATO membership.

Minister Flahaut replied that the crisis in the territory of the former Yugoslavia caused the EU allies to recognise the need for a common defence and security policy. They also intend to include other, non-member states in preparing for the European defence system, since it concerns the stability and security of the continent as a whole and represents a responsibility for all Europeans.

Part of the discussions also focused on the situation in SE Europe and on Belgium's activities in preparing to take on the Presidency of the EU.