Event Archive for February 2005

28 Feb 2005 — Brussels
Agriculture Ministry State Secretary Franci But is to attend the meeting of the EU council for agriculture and fisheries
The council is set to debate two mechanisms setting out spending on farm subsidies between 2007 and 2013.

25 Feb 2005 — Ljubljana
A public debate is to be held on the future of the Lisbon Strategy in Slovenia and the EU
Organised by the European Commission's Representation Office in Slovenia; among those expected to take part in the debate is European Commissioner for Science and Research Janez Potocnik and the head of the Institute for Macroeconomic Analysis and Development Janez Sustersic.

25 Feb 2005 — Sarajevo
Defence Minister Karl Erjavec is due to pay an official visit to Bosnia-Herzegovina
He is to hold separate meetings with Bosnian counterpart Nikola Radovanovic and EUFOR commander David A. Leakey. Erjavec is also expected to visit Slovenian soldiers serving in EU's peace-keeping mission in Bosnia.

24 Feb 2005 — Vienna
FM Attends Session of OSCE Parliamentary Assembly
Slovenian FM and OSCE chair Dimitrij Rupel is to attend the introductory part of the 4th winter session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly today.The participants will also be addressed by Austrian President Heinz Fischer and President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Alcee Hastings. On the margin of the meeting, Rupel will meet Armenian Speaker of Parliament Artur Baghdasarian.
OSCE Chairman says open to idea of building on OSCE election commitm

24 Feb - 25 Feb 2005 — Budapest
Conference on best management practices
Ministers of Council of Europe states responsible for local self-government, including Slovenia's Ivan Žagar, are to convene for a two-day conference on best management practices.

24 Feb 2005 — Brussels
The session of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council
The EU Justice and Home Affairs Council will be in session, to be attended by Interior Minister Dragutin Mate and Justice Ministry State Secretary Robert Marolt.

24 Feb 2005 — Ljubljana
Regular weekly government session
The agenda includes the 2005 programme for motorway construction, a regulation on agriculture subsidies and a regulation on military gear and classified public procurement. Press conference is scheduled for 2 PM.

23 Feb 2005 — Strasbourg
Rupel as OSCE Chair at Council of Europe Today
OSCE chairman, FM Dimitrij Rupel is to present OSCE priorities at the Council of Europe at 11 AM and attend a high-profile meeting between OSCE and CoE officials as well as a meeting with Slovenian MEPs.
Information and Programme (MFA)
OSCE Chairman calls for closer co-operation with Council of Europe

23 Feb - 25 Feb 2005 — Ljubljana
Three-day meeting of the board of governors of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre
The meeting is to begin upon the initiative of European Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potočnik. A panel on the centre's cooperation with Slovenian research institutes is to be organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology.

22 Feb 2005 — Brussels
PM Janez Jansa is to attend the NATO summit and a meeting between EU leaders and US President George W. Bush
Jansa is also due to take part in a meeting of NATO leaders and Ukrainian President Viktor Juschenko. The PM, who is to be accompanied by FM Dimitrij Rupel, is to be available for a press conference at 7:15 PM.
Information and Programme (MFA)
Jansa Says Most Differences in NATO Have Been Overcome

21 Feb 2005 — Brussels
Minister of Education and Sport Milan Zver is to attend the EU Education, Youth and Culture Council
The main topic on the agenda is an interim report in the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy, in parts related to education and youth policy.

21 Feb 2005 — Brussels
Regular session of EU foreign ministers
Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel is to attend a regular session of EU foreign ministers. The agenda is expected to be dominated by Croatia, Kosovo, and the formation of a mission tasked with training Iraqi police and judges. The negotiations on the EU's financial perspective are also to resume. In this debate, Slovenia will be represented by State Secretary Marcel Koprol.

21 Feb 2005 — Ljubljana
Prime Minister in the Parliament
Parliament is to convene a regular, three-day session Monday, opening with the customary Q&A time as the PM and ministers take questions from the floor.

18 Feb 2005 — Berlin
Foreign Minister and OSCE chairman-in-office Dimitrij Rupel is to visit Germany
Talks with German opposite number Joschka Fischer are expected to revolve around bilateral cooperation, topical international, EU and OSCE issues. They are to hold a press conference at 1:30 PM. Rupel is also scheduled to hold a lecture on Slovenia's stint as OSCE chair and to meet the OSCE Personal Representative on Combating Anti-Semitism Gert Wiesskirchen and Wilhelm Hoeynck, one of the seven members of the Panel of Eminent Persons debating OSCE reform.
Information and Programme (MFA)

17 Feb 2005 — Brussels
Regular meeting of EU finance ministers
Finance Minister Andrej Bajuk is scheduled to take part in a regular meeting of EU finance ministers.

17 Feb 2005 — Brdo pri Kranju
OSCE Eminent Persons group to hold first meeting today
A panel of eminent persons which has been assembled to draft proposals for OSCE reform, is scheduled to hold its maiden meeting. Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, the OSCE chairman-in-office, is also expected to attend the meeting, as is the OSCE Secretary General Jan Kubis. Rupel is to hold a press conference at 3 PM.
World is Adapting to New Realities, Rupel Underscores at Conference
Information (MFA)
OSCE Chairman urges Eminent Persons group to be bold in drawing up vision for Organization’s future

17 Feb 2005 — Ljubljana
Regular weekly government session
The government is to meet for its weekly session. Among the issues on its agenda are the plan of work for 2005 and the proposed amendment to the act on the public sector wage system. A press conference is scheduled for after the session at 2 PM.
Slovenia’s viewpoint regarding the implementation of the Lisbon strategy

16 Feb 2005 — Ljubljana
PM Janša about the government's 2005 programme of work
Prime Minister Janez Jansa is to speak to the press at 4 PM about the government's 2005 programme of work.

16 Feb - 17 Feb 2005 — Trieste, Gorizia
Pukšič on a two-day visit in Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Head of the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad Franc Puksic is to start a two-day visit to the Friuli-Venezia Giulia, where he is scheduled to meet representatives of Slovenian minority and local Italian officials.

15 Feb 2005 — Brussels
Marcel Koprol is to hold bilateral talks on the Lisbon Strategy in Brussels today
Marcel Koprol, the head of the Government Office of European Affairs, is to hold bilateral talks on the Lisbon Strategy with the Luxembourg presidency of the EU.

15 Feb 2005 — Budapest
7th Regional Meeting of ILO
Labour Minister Janez Drobnic is scheduled to attend the seventh regional meeting of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

15 Feb - 16 Feb 2005 — Ljubljana
Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski on a two-day official visit to Slovenia
He is scheduled to meet with President Janez Drnovsek, Prime Minister Janez Jansa and Parliament Speaker France Cukjati to discuss ways of boosting political cooperation and creating a favourable business climate for bilateral trade.
Statement by President Drnovšek on the occasion of the visit by the Macedonian President

14 Feb - 15 Feb 2005 — Luxembourg
Informal meeting of EU minister for development cooperation
A two-day informal meeting of EU minister for development cooperation is scheduled to get underway. Slovenia is to be represented by Foreign Ministry State Secretary Bozo Cerar.
Information (MFA)
Informal meeting of EU ministers for development cooperation in Luxembourg

14 Feb - 16 Feb 2005 — Astana/Tashkent
FM Rupel in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel is due to visit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on Tuesday and Wednesday in the capacity of the OSCE chairman-in-office to express support to the countries' reforms in political pluralism and media independence and offer help in the fight against terrorism and protection of human rights.
OSCE Chairman urges Kazakhstan to press ahead with political reform
Information (MFA)
OSCE Chairman pledges support in improving electoral system in Uzbekistan

11 Feb - 13 Feb 2005 — Munich
Foreign Minister Rupel to attend the 41st annual security conference
FM Dimitrij Rupel is to begin a three-day visit to Munich to attend the 41st annual security conference. Defence Minister Karl Erjavec is set to join him on Saturday and Sunday.
OSCE Chairman to participate in the 41st Security Conference in Munich - Information
Dr Rupel participates in the Munich Security Conference on the significance of cooperation between the OSCE and the UN

10 Feb 2005 — Ljubljana
Regular weekly government session
The government is to meet at its weekly session to debate a draft amendment to the road safety act and an agreement on the adjustment of the basic salary and holiday allowances for 2004 and 2005. A press conference is scheduled for 2 PM.

9 Feb 2005 — Brussels
NATO foreign ministers are to meet in Brussels today
NATO foreign ministers, among them Slovenia's Dimitrij Rupel, are scheduled to hold a working lunch as US State Secretary Condoleezza Rice visits NATO headquarters.
Foreign Minister Rupel to participate in North Atlantic Council meeting in Brussels
Foreign Minister Rupel participates in North Atlantic Council meeting in Brussels

9 Feb - 10 Feb 2005 — Nice
Two-day informal meeting of NATO defence ministers
Defence Minister Karl Erjavec is to attend an informal meeting of NATO defence ministers. The agenda is expected to be dominated by the alliance's activity in Iraq and Afghanistan.

7 Feb 2005 — Ljubljana /Cankarjev dom, at 8 PM
Preseren Awards to Be Conferred Tonight
On the eve of Culture Day, the highest national awards for outstanding achievement in arts and culture will be given out at a special ceremony tonight. Artist Bogdan Borcic and flautist Irena Grafenauer are this year's Preseren Awards laureates. All laureates will be received at a special reception hosted by Culture Minister Vasko Simoniti at 7 PM.
More information

7 Feb 2005 — Belgrade
Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel is due to pay a one-day visit to Serbia-Montenegro
Rupel, who will be paying the visit in the capacity of OSCE chairman-in-office, is scheduled to meet Serbian President Boris Tadic and Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica. The future of Kosovo and ties between Serbia and Montenegro are expected to top talks. A press conference is scheduled for after the talks at 3:45 PM.
OSCE Chairman says Organization is committed to stability in south-eastern Europe

4 Feb 2005 — Luxembourg
Ministerial meeting on the EU's strategies promoting gender equality
Director of Slovenia's Office for Equal Opportunities Tanja Salecl is to take part in a ministerial meeting on the EU's strategies promoting gender equality.

3 Feb 2005 — Brussels
Minister Zupan at the Conference of the European Parliament on the participation of Western Balkan countries in EU research projects
Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Jure Zupan is to attend a conference of the European Parliament on the participation of Western Balkan countries in EU research projects.

3 Feb 2005 — Ljubljana
Regular weekly government session
A plan to introduce the euro in Slovenia, a draft declaration on guidelines for Slovenia's participation in EU institutions in 2005, and the country's priorities in the EU Council this year will be debated by the government at its weekly session; news conference at 2 PM.

2 Feb - 3 Feb 2005 — Ljubljana
Macedonian FM Ilinka Mitreva on a working visit to Slovenia
Macedonian Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva is to hold talks with her counterpart Dimitrij Rupel as part of a two-day working visit to Slovenia. On Thursday Minister Mitreva is to meet President Janez Drnovsek (at noon) and Speaker of the National Assembly Franc Cukjati.
Information and Programme (MFA)
Dr Dimitrij Rupel meets Dr Ilinka Mitreva, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia

2 Feb 2005 — Brdo pri Kranju
Traditional reception for diplomats
President Janez Drnovsek and PM Janez Jansa are expected to host a traditional reception for diplomats at noon.
Address by the President of the Republic of Slovenia Dr Janez Drnovšek to the Foreign Diplomatic Corps
Speech by Prime Minister Janez Janša at the Eleventh consultations of Slovenian diplomats, Brdo pri Kranju, 4 January 2005

1 Feb 2005 — Moscow
OSCE Chairman-in-Office Rupel to visit Moscow
FM Dimitrij Rupel is to visit Russia as the OSCE chair. Apart from discussing OSCE issues, Rupel and Russian FM Sergey Lavrov will discuss bilateral topics. They will speak to the press at 1:45 PM.
Information (MFA)
OSCE Chairman discusses reform, election-monitoring with Russian Foreign Minister

1 Feb 2005 — Ljubljana
EU Constitution: MPs Convene to Ratify the Treaty
The National Assembly will convene this afternoon to ratify the EU constitutional treaty in a move that would make Slovenia the third EU country to do so. A two-thirds majority or 60 "yes" votes are needed for the document get the green light.