APOSTOLIC NUNCIO MEETS WITH PRESIDENT KUCAN

Ljubljana, 25 November 1999



The President of the Republic, Mr Milan Kucan, held talks today with the Apostolic Nuncio, Monsignor Edmond Farhat, on the situation in Southeast Europe, particularly the western Balkans. The talks took place following the Monsignor's visit to Macedonia. The interlocutors agreed that it would be beneficial if, through their moral authority, the leaders of all three major religions in this part of Europe could assume greater responsibility for tolerance and coexistence among people. President Milan Kucan has also discussed this issue with Pope John Paul II and with some of the leading representatives of religious communities in the Balkans. The President and the Monsignor agreed that a more durable peace, stability, democracy and development in the Balkans deserve every effort of the international community. This initiative could prove an important contribution to these endeavours.

The interlocutors also exchanged views on the negotiations concerning the agreement with the Holy See, headed on the part of the Republic of Slovenia by its Government. President Kucan believes that it is reasonable to conclude an agreement confirming the legal status of the Roman Catholic Church in Slovenia that is provided for by the Constitution currently in force. It must be in the interest of both parties for the provisions contained in the Agreement to be clear, for the Agreement to serve the realisation of the constitutionally guaranteed right of freedom of religion and beliefs and to obviate any unnecessary doubts as to what was being determined through this agreement in the legal system in force in Slovenia.

President Kucan also expressed his interest in the progress concerning the announced establishment of new dioceses in Slovenia.