Slovenian President Dr Danilo Türk highlights antifascism, European values and a view to the future

Ljubljana, 3.2.2009  |  press release

The Office of the President of the Republic of Slovenia has noted with satisfaction the announcement published on the website of the President of the Italian Republic dated 31 January 2009. The communiqué confirms that the statement made on 8 January 2009 by the Slovenian President, Dr Danilo Türk, on the "ethical deficit" of Italy with regard to the historical heritage of Fascism has not personally hurt the feelings of the Italian President, Mr Giorgio Napolitano, whom Slovenia respects as a democrat and a great political figure in Italy and in Europe. The Office of the President of the Republic of Slovenia views positively the fact that, in both communication between the two states and the media, President Türk's statement has been understood without any misinterpretation. All the elements of that statement remain pertinent to the future.

The Office of the President of the Republic of Slovenia is pleased that special emphasis was given in the Italian communiqué to the significance of the common effort by the two states for the establishment of European political unity. This unity should ultimately help to overcome divisions that have marked tragic moments in the history of nations that today are linked by a feeling of true friendship and brotherhood.

President Türk has also said that a sustained effort is required to strengthen these sentiments. In this spirit, the Slovenian side has reiterated through diplomatic communication in recent weeks that it would be appropriate for the Italian Republic to publish the report of the joint Slovenian-Italian historical commission from 2002, which is a comprehensive elaboration of the history of relations between the two nations in the 19th and first half of the 20th century. This joint achievement could contribute significantly to the consolidation of friendship and brotherhood between the neighbouring nations. Moreover, the recent diplomatic communications expressed the expectation that during this year's ceremonies for 10 February (the Italian day to commemorate the victims of the Foibe killings and the exodus of Italians after the Second World War), the fact that Fascism was the original source of many of the century's problems would not be overlooked. While commemorating the victims and understanding the pain of their close relatives, there should be no apologies for totalitarian regimes, which were finally defeated in the past century. Rejecting all kinds of totalitarianism is extremely important for the strengthening of the values of modern Europe – striving for a peaceful and decent life for all citizens, while accepting democratic values, which originate from this historical experience. In this way, we strengthen our common view towards the future, which for both Slovenian and Italian nations means living side-by-side in the common European home, fostering mutual respect and coexistence.