30 Mar 2007 — New York Signing of the UN convention to promote and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities Labour, the Family and Social Affairs Minister Marjeta Cotman is due to take part in the signing of the UN convention to promote and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities and the corresponding optional protocol.
30 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana Visit of the vice-chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Edmond P. Giambastiani, the vice-chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, is to pay a visit to Slovenia. He is to be received by Defence Minister Karl Erjavec and the Slovenian Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff, Lieutenant General Albin Gutman. The US admiral and Deputy Chief-of-Staff Alojz Steiner are scheduled to make a statement for the press 3:45 pm.
30 Mar 2007 — Bremen, Germany Informal meeting of EU foreign ministers Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel will be taking part in an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers which is expected to focus on Kosovo.
29 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana Cabinet Session The cabinet is to meet for its weekly session. Its agenda includes the bill on scholarships. A press conference is scheduled for 2 pm.
28 Mar 2007 — The Hague, Netherlands Prime Minister's working visit to the Netherlands Prime Minister Janez Jansa is to pay a working visit to the Netherlands for talks dominated by EU issues. He is scheduled to meet his counterpart Jan Peter Balkenende as well as representatives of the Dutch parliament.
27 Mar 2007 — Brussels Meeting of EU finance ministers Finance Minister Andrej Bajuk is to be taking part in a meeting of EU finance ministers. The agenda includes the priorities of the EU budget for 2008.
27 Mar 2007 — Lisbon Meeting of interior ministers from EU newcomers Interior Minister Dragutin Mate is to attend a meeting of interior ministers from EU newcomers with their Portuguese counterpart Antonio Costa. Portugal is expected to formally present the newcomers with the application for the "SIS I for all" Schengen information system.
27 Mar 2007 — Almaden, Spain European conference on mercury Environment Minister Janez Podobnik is to meet his Spanish counterpart Christina Narbono and the head of the European Commission's Directorate General for Sustainable Development and Integration Tim Maekela on the eve of a European conference on mercury.
22 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana Conference on culture and politics A conference on culture and politics will be launched at 2 PM with an address by Prime Minister Janez Jansa. Also expected to take part at the event are Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel and Education Minister Milan Zver.
22 Mar - 23 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana Visit of European Commission Director General for Communication European Commission Director General for Communication Claus Soeresen is to begin a two-day visit to Slovenia.
22 Mar - 23 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana Visit of Macedonian Defence Minister Macedonian Defence Minister Lazar Elenovski is to begin an official visit to Slovenia with a meeting with Defence Minister Karl Erjavec (at noon), chair of the parliamentary Defence Committee Anton Anderlic (10:10 am) and Foreign Ministry State Secretary Andrej Ster (4:30 pm). The two ministers are also expected to sign an agreement on cooperation and issue a press statement at 1:40 pm.
22 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana Cabinet Session The government is to debate a bill on controlling the national border, amendments to private security act and amendments to the act on the employment of foreign workers, among other topics. A news conference is scheduled for after the session, expectedly at 2 pm.
22 Mar 2007 — Brussels EU Transport Council The EU Transport Council is to discuss the EU-US open skies agreement and the EU satellite navigation system Galileo. Slovenian Transport Minister Janez Bozic is expected to attend.
20 Mar 2007 — Milan, Italy "Transport and Environment" international conference Transport Minister Janez Bozic is to attend an international conference entitled "Transport and Environment: A Global Challenge Technological and Policy Solutions".
20 Mar - 21 Mar 2007 — Koper, Izola, Portorož, Štanjel, Lipica Government's working visit to Slovenian Istria and Karst (20.3.) Prime Minster Janez Jansa and Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel are to make stops in Koper and Izola ahead of the government's working visit to Slovenian Istria and Karst on Wednesday. Jansa and Rupel are expected to hold talks with representatives of the Italian minority at 4 pm. ------ (21.3.) The cabinet will be visiting the southwestern Slovenian regions of Istra and Kras as part of its series of visits to Slovenian statistical regions. The government is first scheduled to hold a working meeting (9:30 am), followed by separate talks held by the prime minister and other members of his cabinet. PM Janez Jansa is to meet at noon representatives of the project group for the Mediterranean University. The government will wrap up its visit in Lipica with a meeting with mayors, CEOs, MPs and councillors from the region (5 pm). PM Jansa is to hold a press conference at Stanjel at 3 pm, followed by a press conference featuring Economy Minister Andrej Vizjak and Transport Minister Janez Bozic. Prime Minister Janša Begins Official Visit to Slovenian Istria and the Karst
19 Mar - 20 Mar 2007 — Sofia, Bulgaria Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister's visit to Bulgaria Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Jure Zupan is to begin a two-day visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of counterpart Daniel Valchev.
19 Mar 2007 — Brussels EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council Agriculture, Forestry and Food Minister Iztok Jarc is to attend a two-day EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council. The meeting aims among other things at reaching political consensus on the voluntary modulation scheme that has been rejected by the European Parliament which in effect froze 20% of the 2007 rural development budget.
19 Mar 2007 — Vienna Meeting with the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency Environment and Spatial Planning Minister Janez Podobnik is to meet Mohamed Elbaradei, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Podobnik will acquaint Elbaradei with Slovenia's progress in its search for a radioactive waste repository site, while the pair will also discuss current IAEA issues.
16 Mar 2007 — Zagreb Conference of the Central European Exchange Program for University Studies Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Jure Zupan is to attend a conference of the Central European Exchange Program for University Studies (CEEPUS). The participants are expected to examine the programme's operation in the past year, among other things.
15 Mar - 16 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana Session of the financial committee of the successors to the former Yugoslavia A two-day session of the financial committee of the successors to the former Yugoslavia is to get under way, discussing the division of diplomatic and consular property. The committee is expected to conclude the talks on the division of properties in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) members and begin negotiations for the division of properties in other countries.
15 Mar 2007 — Nuremberg, Germany Meeting of EU and ASEAN foreign ministers Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel is to take part in a meeting of EU foreign ministers and their counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The meeting, marking the 30th anniversary of cooperation between the two groupings, is to discuss topical regional and international issues. Rupel is expected to address the press at 2:30 pm.
15 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana Cabinet Session The cabinet is to begin its weekly session at 10 am. The agenda includes the proposed changes to the act on public interest in culture and the draft plan for development and renovation of motorways in 2007. A press conference is scheduled for 1 pm.
15 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana Visit of Macedonian Transport and Communications Minister Macedonian Transport and Communications Minister Mile Janakievski is to pay a visit to Slovenia. He is scheduled to meet his Slovenian counterpart Janez Bozic. The pair are expected to address the press at 11 am.
15 Mar 2007 — Hannover, Germany Informal meeting of the EU transport, telecommunications and energy ministers Slovenian Economy Minister Andrej Vizjak is to attend an informal meeting of the EU transport, telecommunications and energy ministers.
15 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana World Consumer Rights Day The European Commission Representation in Slovenia, the Government Consumer Protection Office and the Slovenian Consumers' Association are to hold at noon a joint press conference to mark World Consumer Rights Day; at noon. The Economy Ministry and the Government Consumer Protection Office are to hold a press conference at the occasion at 10:30 am.
15 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana IMF delegation's meeting with the government and the management of Banka Slovenije The delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is to wrap up its two-week visit to Slovenia. It is scheduled to meet the government and the management of Slovenian central bank, Banka Slovenije.
14 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana Visiti of Iranian Foreign Minister Visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Motaki is to hold talks with President Janez Drnovsek (11 am), Prime Minister Janez Jansa (noon) and his host and counterpart Dimitrij Rupel (9:45 am). Motaki and Rupel are to speak to the press after Motaki's meeting with Jansa. Prime Minister Janez Janša receives Iranian Foreign Minister
14 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana Visit of Macedonia's candidate for the president of the UN General Assembly Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel is to meet at 11 am Srdjan Kerim, Macedonia's candidate for the president of the UN General Assembly for the period between June 2007 and June 2008. Kerin is also to hold talks with Prime Minister Janez Jansa at 1 pm. Prime Minister Janez Janša receives Macedonian candidate for President of the UN General Assembly
13 Mar 2007 — Geneve, Switzerland Meeting of the UN Human Rights Council Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel is to attend the fourth regular meeting of the UN Human Rights Council. Rupel, who is also to address the conference, is to meet UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour and Marek Belka, UN Executive Secretary of Economic Commission for Europe.
13 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana Visit of representatives of the International Monetary Fund Public Administration Minister Gregor Virant is to meet ad 10:30 am the representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who are visiting Slovenia as part of their annual mission.
12 Mar - 13 Mar 2007 — Bremen, Germany Ministerial conference on the fight against HIV/AIDS Health Minister Andrej Brucan is to take part in a two-day ministerial conference on the fight against HIV/AIDS. His itinerary also includes separate meetings with his Portuguese and Swedish counterparts, Antonio Correia de Campos and Maria Larsson.
12 Mar 2007 — Bonn, Germany Meeting of EU ministers responsible for development aid Foreign Ministry State Secretary Andrej Ster is to be representing Slovenia at a meeting of EU ministers responsible for development aid.
12 Mar 2007 — Vienna Interior Minister's visit to Austria Interior Minister Dragutin Mate is to be paying a visit to the Austrian capital, where he is to attend the opening of the 15th course of the Central European Police Academy. He is also due to hold separate meetings with his Slovakian and Austrian counterparts, Robert Kalinak and Guenter Platter.
9 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana Visit of European Energy Commissioner European Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs is to pay a visit to Slovenia at the invitation of Economy Minister Andrej Vizjak. While the pair are to hold a press conference at 12:30 pm, Piebalgs is also to attend a panel on the new EU energy strategy at 3 pm, and meet the Environment and Spatial Planning Minister Janez Podobnik.
8 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana Fund-raising dinner for the ITF The International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance (ITF) and the American Chamber of Commerce are to organise at 6:30 PM a fund-raising dinner for the Slovenian-run fund.
8 Mar - 9 Mar 2007 — Brussels EU summit Prime Minister Janez Jansa, accompanied by Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel and Economy Minister Andrej Bajuk, is to attend the two-day EU summit which will focus on energy and climate change. In the evening Jansa will attend a meeting of leaders of the European People's Party (EPP). Prime Minister Janez Janša: The European Union is aware of future challenges and is preparing for them
7 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana Presentation of the 7th Research Framework Programme The Energy Directorate at the Economy Ministry, in cooperation with the European Commission, is to hold at 9:30 AM a presentation of the 7th Research Framework Programme.
7 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana Cabinet Session A bill on the agency for real estate registers and the national programme for fighting crime in the 2007-2011 period will be on the agenda of the weekly cabinet session. A news conference is scheduled for 2 pm.
7 Mar 2007 — Brussels Launch of the EU's 7th Research Framework Programme Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister Jure Zupan is to attend a ceremony marking the launch of the EU's 7th Research Framework Programme. The event will also be attended by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
6 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana Meeting with the director of the Israeli International Centre for Consultation Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel is to meet Wadie Abunassar, the director of the Israeli International Centre for Consultation and manager of the Slovenia-funded project "Dialogue of Israeli and Palestinian Intellectuals"; at 3 pm.
5 Mar 2007 — Budapest Economy Minister's visit to Budapest Economy Minister Andrej Vizjak is to meet Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany and Minister of Economics and Transportation Janos Koka. The ministers are also to open a Slovenian-Hungarian business conference.
5 Mar 2007 — Brussels Session of the EU's General Affairs and External Relations Council Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel and European Affairs State Secretary Janez Lenarcic are to attend a session of the EU's General Affairs and External Relations Council. The council is to discuss to what extent goals on greenhouse gas emissions should be binding. On the sidelines, a debate on the Berlin Declaration and the Western Balkans is expected.
2 Mar 2007 — Salzburg, Austria Meeting on European Research Area Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister Jure Zupan is to take part in a two-day meeting on European Research Area hosted by President of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts Felix Unger.
2 Mar 2007 — Belgrade, Serbia Meeting on cooperation in research and development between Slovenia and Serbia A meeting sponsored by the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Agency for Foreign Investment Promotion and the Ministry of Economy, is to look into cooperation in research and development between Slovenia and Serbia; at 10 AM.
2 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana EU's 7th Research Framework Programme Prime Minister Janez Jansa is to open the inaugural conference of the EU's 7th Research Framework Programme. The event, which is to get under way at 9:30 am, is to feature European Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik, Economy Minister Andrej Vizjak and Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Jure Zupan. A press conference is scheduled for 10:45 am. Prime Minister Janez Janša: "The knowledge-based development of society is the only correct and possible future for Slovenia."
2 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana Strategic Council on Foreign Policy Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel is to hold a meeting with the Strategic Council on Foreign Policy to discuss relations with Croatia. After the meeting, which begins at 11:30 am, Rupel is expected to make a statement for the press. Strategic Council for Foreign Policy discussing relations between Slovenia and Croatia
2 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana Visit of Baroness Ashton of the British Department for Constitutional Affairs Upon the invitation of Justice Minister Lovro Sturm, Baroness Ashton of the British Department for Constitutional Affairs is to arrive in Slovenia. The pair are to address the press at 12:50 pm.
1 Mar - 2 Mar 2007 — Wiesbaden, Germany Informal meeting of EU defence ministers Defence Minister Karl Erjavec is to attend a two-day informal meeting of EU defence ministers. The reduction of the peacekeeping force in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the formation of a civilian mission in Kosovo are expected to top the agenda.
1 Mar - 2 Mar 2007 — Heidelberg, Germany Informal meeting of the EU education ministers Education Minister Milan Zver is to attend a two-day informal meeting of the EU education ministers. The agenda of the first day includes a debate on the role of education in the promotion of common European values. On the second day, the ministers are expected to focus on life-long learning.
1 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana Cabinet Session The cabinet is to hold its regular session. The main items on the agenda are amendments to the act on the Constitutional Court and the act on prevention of restriction of competition. A press conference is scheduled for 2 pm.
1 Mar - 2 Mar 2007 — Ljubljana Visit of The Hungarian Chief-of-Staff, General Andras Havril The Hungarian Chief-of-Staff, General Andras Havril, is to arrive for a two-day visit to Slovenia at the invitation of his counterpart, Lieutenant-General Albin Gutman. Both chiefs-of-staff are to make statements for the press at 12:45 PM, while General Havril is due to meet the parliamentary Defence Committee at 1:15 pm.