Statement by the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk, on relations with Croatia

Ljubljana, 14.5.2009  |  statement

Transcript of the complete Statement to POP TV given by Dr Danilo Türk, President of the Republic of Slovenia

Question by journalist:
Mr President, we have heard Prime Minister Sanader, who said that Croatia would begin speaking with Slovenia in another manner. We have heard President Mesiĉ, who said that international law must be respected, which, according to his words, Slovenia has not done. The third issue is the suggestions that Slovenia should accept the proposal made by Commissioner Rehn without comments. What is your comment?

President Dr Danilo Türk:
I understand a part of this rhetoric, because there are elections in Croatia next week. This makes me believe that a considerable part of this rhetoric is resulting from the needs of the election. However, I would like to point out that this is not a wise and sensible approach. Currently, common language should be sought and further efforts should be made for that. Of course, Commissioner Rehn's proposal is just a proposal. Slovenia has amendments which should be taken seriously, and when progress is sought, Croatia should also look to do the same. There will be no solution achieved by sticking to some ″take it or leave it″ formula. There is no such formula; that formula has been made up.

Question by journalist:
We suppose that this is also not good for relations between the two countries?

President Dr Danilo Türk:
Certainly not. Regarding the relations between the two countries, a solution can only be delivered by seeking common language. If we want to solve the problem, we should try to solve it in a fair way, not to seek a ″victory″. This is not the way to a solution, but will only lead to a blockade. We should listen to each other; it is my true wish that Croatia will start to listen to us.