Slovenia aids victims of clashes in the Gaza Strip

Ljubljana, 9.2.2009  |  press release

The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk, together with the Minister of Health, Mr Borut Miklavèiè, the Director of the International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance, Mr Goran Gaènik, the President of Slovenian Philanthropy, Mrs Anica Miku¹ Kos, and the Director of the Institute for Rehabilitation of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr Robert Cugelj, today held a press conference at which he outlined, in brief, humanitarian initiatives by the Republic of Slovenia with regard to the situation in the Gaza Strip.

Dr Türk said that, with its knowledge, staff and relevant experience in this field, Slovenia could take an active part in providing humanitarian aid. The humanitarian aid activities outlined at today’s press conference represent a well-thought out and focused initiative linked to the health and psychological rehabilitation of victims of war in the Gaza Strip, especially children, who have been most severely affected, and to assistance in demining, which is of vital importance to the successful delivery of all other humanitarian aid and reconstruction activities. Slovenia, in this regard, relies on its past experience, gained also in the wars in South Eastern Europe, and the organisations involved have a well-established international reputation for their successes in this field in South Eastern Europe and throughout the world, stressed President Türk. He added that, within the European Union, through humanitarian activities Slovenia can set its priorities and direct its efforts to the areas where it can truly achieve the best possible effects.

President Türk emphasised, in particular, that Slovenia is not trying to enhance its visibility by offering extensive help or providing large amounts of financial aid, since it can make a far better and more targeted contribution by providing well-thought out, professional and coordinated help and support. Speaking at the press conference, Dr Türk pointed out that the Government of the Republic of Slovenia was also involved in these efforts, both in defining the help needed, as well as in preparations for a donor conference to be held in Cairo on 2 March this year. He further explained that Slovenia’s offer was being gradually finalised and would be intended to engage international partnerships as well.