Mit - Index

Mit - UVK_Sinfo_2008_02February4 - Index

QuotESoftHEfortnight
sinfo february 08 2
Darijan Košir (Daily Delo): Modern Slovenia a product of
Janez Drnovπek 's work, Ljubljana, 25 February: Slovenia has lost
one of its few true statesmen and a politician who greatly influenced
events in the country over the past 20 years. Much of
what modern Slovenia is, is the work of deceased Former President
and Prime Minister Janez Drnovπek . He will be a role model
for Slovenian politicians for years to come. Drnovπek helped to
create Slovenia with moderate, tolerant and gradual policies.
Drnovπek made his name abroad by being different than all the
other Yugoslav leaders before him. This had such an impact that
it opened many doors later, when Slovenia needed them opened
to join Europe.
Javier Solana /High Representative for Common Foreign and Security
Policy/: The EU mission will operate throughout the
whole of Kosovo, Priπtina, 19 February: The EU Mission in Kosovo
(Eulex) will perform its duties throughout the whole of Kosovo.
The European Union strives for the European perspective of all
Balkan countries. I call upon the people of Kosovo to direct their
joy, which they showed during the celebration of the independence
declaration, into positive energy for further political and
economic development, respect for minorities, as well as their
own and common cultural heritage.
Hans-Gert Pöttering / President of the European Parliament/:
I call for prudence and calm regarding Kosovo, Strasbourg, 19
February: I call for ‘prudent and peaceful action’ on all sides involved
in Kosovo. The task of the EU is to enable the authorities
in Kosovo to assume responsibility for the establishment of democratic
institutions. I believe that everybody, Serbs in Kosovo as
well as Albanians, strive for stability and progress in their regions,
which is the goal of the European Union and the European Parliament
as well. Kosovo’s declaration of independence reflects the
will of Kosovo’s citizens who wish to take their political fate and
the implementation of independence into their own hands.
Bernard Kouchner / head of French diplomacy/: Highly symbolic
step for the Slovenian Presidency, Brussels, 18 February: It is
highly symbolic that today’s decision of the EU after the declaration
of Kosovo’s independence has been made under the Slovenian
Presidency. Slovenia was once a Yugoslav republic and now
holds the Presidency of the EU. Slovenia is therefore at the very
centre of the search for a solution which will stop the division of
Yugoslavia. This is the end of a very long crisis. I really hope it is
all over and that a period of conciliation can begin.