Prime Minister Janez Jansa and French President Nicolas Sarkozy discussed the tasks of their successive EU presidencies in 2008 as they held a meeting on Monday, in particular the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, a priority for both countries. "It will be one year, two presidencies and one task," Jansa told reporters in Paris after the talks.
"It is about the monitoring of the ratification process and the realisation of all activities which will make it possible for the treaty to take effect in January 2009," Jansa said.
Jansa said he and Sarkozy welcomed the conclusion of last week's EU summit, as their proposal that the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty be handled by the two presidencies was accepted.
Slovenia also enjoys France's support in the solution of the Kosovo issue, according to Jansa, who said the recent summit adopted "all the necessary resolutions making it possible for the EU to play a key role in the Kosovo issue."
"This part is vital for Slovenia, as the toughest part of the settlement of the future status of Kosovo will probably be on the table during its presidency."
Jansa said France's position on EU enlargement was a significant step forward in France's foreign policy. "We received the guarantee that France supports enlargement to the Western Balkans."
As for Turkey, however, the opinions of Slovenia and France diverge. While Slovenia remains a firm supporter, France is one of the most vocal opponents of Turkey's entry.
"The fate of subsequent steps will be resolved by the European Council providing the framework mandate for the reflection group," Jansa said today, pointing to a group that is expected to discuss challenges awaiting the EU in the 2020-2030 period.
This fulfiled "one of the key requirements that France has made in order not to block negotiations with Turkey; as for EU enlargement outside Western Balkans, this pertains to the not so near future, until which time many things will change."
Jansa also rejected the notion that France would interfere with Slovenia's presidency to itself take the credit for possible achievements. "They are willing to help, but they are not willing or mandated to take any leading role."
Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, who is accompanying Jansa, meanwhile said earlier today that France and Slovenia cooperated very well. "We have promised each other all the help we can offer and concrete forms of cooperation have been announced," Rupel said.
Rupel said French diplomats would be of great help, while he would personally "invite my French counterpart for consultations in resolving issues in the Western Balkans...The help of France and other important countries is very important."
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