PM Says Prekmurje Always Preserved Bonds with Slovenia

Murska Sobota, 17 August

Slovenians in Prekmurje have always preserved the bond and loyalty to the Slovenian nation and believed in the idea of united Slovenia despite differences in culture, religion and centuries of separation, Prime Minister Janez Jansa said on Saturday, addressing the ceremony marking the reunification of the region with Slovenia in 1919.

Jansa added that the venue of the ceremony, village Grad na Gorickem, symbolised the memory of centuries-long struggle of people of Prekmurje for existence and progress, while the mighty architecture of the castle reminded people of Slovenia's debt to Prekmurje and its people, who have lived under Hungary's rule for centuries.
Numerous events in the rich history of Prekmurje, such as Slovenian protestants finding refuge in the region, bear witness of people's consciousness, said the prime minister.
According to Jansa, the demands of the first "tabor", a meeting promoting the idea of a united Slovenia held in Ljutomer 140 years ago, included the idea of improving the economic situation of the region.
The decision of the Paris Peace Conference in 1919 to allow the occupation of Prekmurje and the provisions of the Trianon Treaty from 1920, which established the borders of Hungary, were a big encroachment in Hungary's history, they however confirmed the principle of nation, to which both Hungarians and Slovenians had the right, Jansa said.
Jansa also noted that because of other territories that Slovenia had lost then, many had not perceived the importance of Prekmurje's unification with Slovenia.
Slovenia was now on good track, having strong economy, being high on competitiveness rankings, having decreased unemployment, Jansa noted.
Today, Slovenia is a strong, healthy and ambitious country and community, which has become a modern and established EU and NATO member in less than two decades, during which it had to build anew foundations of democracy, and economic and political systems, he said.
Jansa added that the progress could be seen also in Prekmurje. He noted that in the last four years many investments had been made in tourist infrastructure, cultural heritage, employment programmes and technology.
The ceremony was also attended by President Danilo Tuerk and a number of ministers and deputies.
The holiday marks 17 August 1919, when the military handed over authority to civilian government of what was then the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenians.
As a result, the Slovenians living in the region became unified with Slovenia after nearly 900 years of being part of Hungary.

PM Says Prekmurje Always Preserved Bonds with Slovenia

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