EXCHANGE OF LETTERS BETWEEN PRESIDENTS CLINTON AND KUCAN

Ljubljana, 5 September 2000


President Milan Kucan replied yesterday to President Clinton's letter of 28 August. In his letter President Clinton emphasised the importance of the constructive role played by Slovenia in South Eastern Europe. The US President also expects Slovenia to voluntarily increase its share in the peace efforts, thus confirming its leading role in the United Nations and in the field of global safety.

In his reply President Kucan evoked, as did President Clinton, happy memories of his visit to Slovenia last year. He agrees that peace, stability and prosperity in South Eastern Europe are a vital security, political and economic interest of the international community. As a non-permanent member of the Security Council Slovenia also strongly strived for the stabilisation of the region. The United Nations' reputation will remain immaculate provided the organisation is able to fully assume its responsibility. It is not enough to adopt decisions on peacekeeping operations, peace also needs to be assured. Slovenia accepts its share of the responsibility and will to the best of its ability actively participate in peace operations throughout the world.

President Kucan also added that Slovenia fully supports the US initiative concerning the financial basis for UN peace operations and will announce its government's decision to voluntarily raise its contribution for such operations at the 55th General Assembly of the United Nations.