LJUBLJANA -- Slovenia is one of Serbia’s most ardent supporters within the EU, says Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel.
Source: B92
Close the entire text of the article here
Recent incidents, such as the bomb at the Mercator centre in Belgrade and the threats to other centers, he called misunderstandings, as “Slovenia was one of Serbia’s most ardent advocates within the EU.”
The Slovenian foreign minister did not ascribe the incidents any political relevance, but added that Slovenia had to be ready for everything, had to guarantee its security, something the Slovenian embassy in Belgrade was ready for.
He said that he did not believe that Slovenia and Serbia would fall out over the aforesaid incidents.
“We were big friends even before Milošević, and I believe that we’ll be big friends inside the EU,” said Rupel, adding that the incidents were an indicator of the tension felt within one section of Serbian society that needed to be allayed, and that the two countries were traditional allies.
The Slovenian foreign minister stressed that it was time “to end the Yugoslav crisis.”
He added that he believed that Kosovo representatives would listen to the opinions of other countries when it came to declaring independence, and that there was no panic and nor any cause for threats.
On the subject of the internal diplomatic document recently published by Slovenian daily Dnevnik that has seen Rupel’s ministry come in for considerable criticism over the last few weeks, he denied that Slovenia was a pro-American country, and that U.S. policy on relations with Serbia had a positive influence.
The minister added that the published memorandum, a transcript of a conversation between Slovenian and U.S. diplomats, had more or less been part of normal Slovenian diplomatic communication, and that it had been no great find, maintaining that Slovenian foreign policy was not under the influence of the U.S. or anyone else for that matter.
He said that the passing of such documents to the press was nothing less than theft, and should be treated as such.
According to Rupel, the scandal had not affected Slovenian-U.S. relations, though it had caused a certain amount of unease.
The minister said that the matter had been unpleasant, as henceforth his Slovenian colleagues would be warier in their conversations, though the scandal had not as yet soured relations between Serbia and Slovenia.
Princip UK- since you are educated you should firstly answer to me: if there was no danger for teh civilians, does this mean that for you, Mercator is a military target?
my question is only deduction of your reckoning- that's all, now pls answer.
(ben, 13 February 2008 13:28)
""(aside from the bombing which is in my view terrorism as civilians could have been hurt)"- Princip UK
if there was no danger for teh civilians, does this mean that for you Mercator is a military target? sure because is slovenian ;)
(ben, 12 February 2008 19:53) "
- Do you want me to be pedantic? In which case does that mean in your narrow definition that you correlate terrorism only with attacks on Slovenian Business premises?
I guess thats why some discount terrorism against all non-Albanians in Serbia's province suggesting it does not occur and even absurdly suggest no ethnic motivation!!!
(Princip, UK, 13 February 2008 00:52)
Oh be Quiet Rupel! No one takes you or your country seriously, even the the smug members of your little EU club think you are irrelevant!
WOW! Slovenia is really desperate these days to get respect. They remind me of the "little" kid in school who desperately tries to play with the big boys but no one takes him seriously.
(Canadian, 12 February 2008 21:30)
"(aside from the bombing which is in my view terrorism as civilians could have been hurt)"- Princip UK
if there was no danger for teh civilians, does this mean that for you Mercator is a military target? sure because is slovenian ;)
(ben, 12 February 2008 19:53)
I do not suggest anything like that. Of course Slovenia won't stay hungry as a member of the EU but Slovenian entrepreneurs already warned government of the losses that they suffer in Serbia and Croatia as well. The things are not going that smoothly since they hope and invested a lot to be the Leader in the region. Seems they cannot be and if we put them in extra boycott then it won’t be really nice for Slovenia. It is not question about hunger but simply economy that everyone has interests in, it is not love or affection but interests.
(bmrusila, 12 February 2008 19:30)
I am a slovenian and I completely agree that Slovenia has sold its soul for the West. When listening to Slovenian politicians it is as if the words are coming directly from George W Bush himself. Once again the slavic brothers will be split do to the West.
Remember when Bush said that Americans are Serbians friend? Well, good thing that they are not Serbs enemy, in that case Serbia would be renamed Albania.
(Matic, 12 February 2008 17:09)
Countries are like people. Some are free and independent in their thinking and actions, some are sheep and followers, and some are just plain lap dogs.
Mr. Rupel, I need not have to spell out which category you fit into. Serbs don't respect American servants and stooges who pretend to be our 'friends'.
(Dragan, 12 February 2008 16:09)
"You are aware of the fact that Slovenia might be punished by Serbia’s citizens who will I expect, show the awareness of Slovenian contribution in dismembering our country, and properly punish you by boycotting all Slovenian"
And then what brumsila? Are slovenians going to starve because of the Serbia's "punishment"? Is that going to make Slovenian government to change their decision?
(miri, 12 February 2008 15:47)
mitja, i for one believe you ;) and may i say, as you are our greatest friends, so we are yours, count on that my good man ;)
(smile, 12 February 2008 14:28)
Is Rupel expect to be taken seriously while he insults Serbia's sovereignty?
On the point regarding Mercator (aside from the bombing which is in my view terrorism as civilians could have been hurt) the fact remains that Slovenia blocked Delta's bid to take over Mercator. It would seem that Slovenia's political and business policy is to dominate over the other Former Yugoslav states and that this is not a two way street!
friends indeed... et tu Rupel...
(Princip, UK, 12 February 2008 12:39)
Ha,ha,ha, Mr Rupel denies Slovenia to be a USA’s puppet No.1 in the EU, perhaps even before the UK. Mr Rupel there is the entire transcript of orders by the USA that you have to fulfil in regard to Serbia and Kosovo. That transcript was obviously handled very clumsy since it came out to the public. You can deny but there is a written proof behind you.
Please Mr Rupel spare Serbia of your support and advocating for her within the EU members. You are not our alley and certainly not a friend which we do not expect any one to be, but just to be fair. You are aware of the fact that Slovenia might be punished by Serbia’s citizens who will I expect, show the awareness of Slovenian contribution in dismembering our country, and properly punish you by boycotting all Slovenian. It is our right to do so and it is one of the most peaceful means to resist your friendly contribution in amputation of Serbian cradle.
I am sure you won’t succeed to preserve the market for Slovenian goods and enterprises. I expect the same way you will be punished by Croatia after meddling into their territory. What have you then left Mr Rupel? Kosovo, right?
(bmrusila, 12 February 2008 11:32)
Is Rupel expect to be taken seriously while he insults Serbia's sovereignty?
On the point regarding Mercator (aside from the bombing which is in my view terrorism as civilians could have been hurt) the fact remains that Slovenia blocked Delta's bid to take over Mercator. It would seem that Slovenia's political and business policy is to dominate over the other Former Yugoslav states and that this is not a two way street!
friends indeed... et tu Rupel...
(Princip, UK, 12 February 2008 12:39)
Ha,ha,ha, Mr Rupel denies Slovenia to be a USA’s puppet No.1 in the EU, perhaps even before the UK. Mr Rupel there is the entire transcript of orders by the USA that you have to fulfil in regard to Serbia and Kosovo. That transcript was obviously handled very clumsy since it came out to the public. You can deny but there is a written proof behind you.
Please Mr Rupel spare Serbia of your support and advocating for her within the EU members. You are not our alley and certainly not a friend which we do not expect any one to be, but just to be fair. You are aware of the fact that Slovenia might be punished by Serbia’s citizens who will I expect, show the awareness of Slovenian contribution in dismembering our country, and properly punish you by boycotting all Slovenian. It is our right to do so and it is one of the most peaceful means to resist your friendly contribution in amputation of Serbian cradle.
I am sure you won’t succeed to preserve the market for Slovenian goods and enterprises. I expect the same way you will be punished by Croatia after meddling into their territory. What have you then left Mr Rupel? Kosovo, right?
(bmrusila, 12 February 2008 11:32)
Countries are like people. Some are free and independent in their thinking and actions, some are sheep and followers, and some are just plain lap dogs.
Mr. Rupel, I need not have to spell out which category you fit into. Serbs don't respect American servants and stooges who pretend to be our 'friends'.
(Dragan, 12 February 2008 16:09)
I am a slovenian and I completely agree that Slovenia has sold its soul for the West. When listening to Slovenian politicians it is as if the words are coming directly from George W Bush himself. Once again the slavic brothers will be split do to the West.
Remember when Bush said that Americans are Serbians friend? Well, good thing that they are not Serbs enemy, in that case Serbia would be renamed Albania.
(Matic, 12 February 2008 17:09)
I do not suggest anything like that. Of course Slovenia won't stay hungry as a member of the EU but Slovenian entrepreneurs already warned government of the losses that they suffer in Serbia and Croatia as well. The things are not going that smoothly since they hope and invested a lot to be the Leader in the region. Seems they cannot be and if we put them in extra boycott then it won’t be really nice for Slovenia. It is not question about hunger but simply economy that everyone has interests in, it is not love or affection but interests.
(bmrusila, 12 February 2008 19:30)
Oh be Quiet Rupel! No one takes you or your country seriously, even the the smug members of your little EU club think you are irrelevant!
WOW! Slovenia is really desperate these days to get respect. They remind me of the "little" kid in school who desperately tries to play with the big boys but no one takes him seriously.
(Canadian, 12 February 2008 21:30)
mitja, i for one believe you ;) and may i say, as you are our greatest friends, so we are yours, count on that my good man ;)
(smile, 12 February 2008 14:28)
""(aside from the bombing which is in my view terrorism as civilians could have been hurt)"- Princip UK
if there was no danger for teh civilians, does this mean that for you Mercator is a military target? sure because is slovenian ;)
(ben, 12 February 2008 19:53) "
- Do you want me to be pedantic? In which case does that mean in your narrow definition that you correlate terrorism only with attacks on Slovenian Business premises?
I guess thats why some discount terrorism against all non-Albanians in Serbia's province suggesting it does not occur and even absurdly suggest no ethnic motivation!!!
(Princip, UK, 13 February 2008 00:52)
"You are aware of the fact that Slovenia might be punished by Serbia’s citizens who will I expect, show the awareness of Slovenian contribution in dismembering our country, and properly punish you by boycotting all Slovenian"
And then what brumsila? Are slovenians going to starve because of the Serbia's "punishment"? Is that going to make Slovenian government to change their decision?
(miri, 12 February 2008 15:47)
"(aside from the bombing which is in my view terrorism as civilians could have been hurt)"- Princip UK
if there was no danger for teh civilians, does this mean that for you Mercator is a military target? sure because is slovenian ;)
(ben, 12 February 2008 19:53)
Princip UK- since you are educated you should firstly answer to me: if there was no danger for teh civilians, does this mean that for you, Mercator is a military target?
my question is only deduction of your reckoning- that's all, now pls answer.
(ben, 13 February 2008 13:28)
"You are aware of the fact that Slovenia might be punished by Serbia’s citizens who will I expect, show the awareness of Slovenian contribution in dismembering our country, and properly punish you by boycotting all Slovenian"
And then what brumsila? Are slovenians going to starve because of the Serbia's "punishment"? Is that going to make Slovenian government to change their decision?
(miri, 12 February 2008 15:47)
"(aside from the bombing which is in my view terrorism as civilians could have been hurt)"- Princip UK
if there was no danger for teh civilians, does this mean that for you Mercator is a military target? sure because is slovenian ;)
(ben, 12 February 2008 19:53)
Princip UK- since you are educated you should firstly answer to me: if there was no danger for teh civilians, does this mean that for you, Mercator is a military target?
my question is only deduction of your reckoning- that's all, now pls answer.
(ben, 13 February 2008 13:28)
mitja, i for one believe you ;) and may i say, as you are our greatest friends, so we are yours, count on that my good man ;)
(smile, 12 February 2008 14:28)
""(aside from the bombing which is in my view terrorism as civilians could have been hurt)"- Princip UK
if there was no danger for teh civilians, does this mean that for you Mercator is a military target? sure because is slovenian ;)
(ben, 12 February 2008 19:53) "
- Do you want me to be pedantic? In which case does that mean in your narrow definition that you correlate terrorism only with attacks on Slovenian Business premises?
I guess thats why some discount terrorism against all non-Albanians in Serbia's province suggesting it does not occur and even absurdly suggest no ethnic motivation!!!
(Princip, UK, 13 February 2008 00:52)
Oh be Quiet Rupel! No one takes you or your country seriously, even the the smug members of your little EU club think you are irrelevant!
WOW! Slovenia is really desperate these days to get respect. They remind me of the "little" kid in school who desperately tries to play with the big boys but no one takes him seriously.
(Canadian, 12 February 2008 21:30)
I do not suggest anything like that. Of course Slovenia won't stay hungry as a member of the EU but Slovenian entrepreneurs already warned government of the losses that they suffer in Serbia and Croatia as well. The things are not going that smoothly since they hope and invested a lot to be the Leader in the region. Seems they cannot be and if we put them in extra boycott then it won’t be really nice for Slovenia. It is not question about hunger but simply economy that everyone has interests in, it is not love or affection but interests.
(bmrusila, 12 February 2008 19:30)
Ha,ha,ha, Mr Rupel denies Slovenia to be a USA’s puppet No.1 in the EU, perhaps even before the UK. Mr Rupel there is the entire transcript of orders by the USA that you have to fulfil in regard to Serbia and Kosovo. That transcript was obviously handled very clumsy since it came out to the public. You can deny but there is a written proof behind you.
Please Mr Rupel spare Serbia of your support and advocating for her within the EU members. You are not our alley and certainly not a friend which we do not expect any one to be, but just to be fair. You are aware of the fact that Slovenia might be punished by Serbia’s citizens who will I expect, show the awareness of Slovenian contribution in dismembering our country, and properly punish you by boycotting all Slovenian. It is our right to do so and it is one of the most peaceful means to resist your friendly contribution in amputation of Serbian cradle.
I am sure you won’t succeed to preserve the market for Slovenian goods and enterprises. I expect the same way you will be punished by Croatia after meddling into their territory. What have you then left Mr Rupel? Kosovo, right?
(bmrusila, 12 February 2008 11:32)
Countries are like people. Some are free and independent in their thinking and actions, some are sheep and followers, and some are just plain lap dogs.
Mr. Rupel, I need not have to spell out which category you fit into. Serbs don't respect American servants and stooges who pretend to be our 'friends'.
(Dragan, 12 February 2008 16:09)
I am a slovenian and I completely agree that Slovenia has sold its soul for the West. When listening to Slovenian politicians it is as if the words are coming directly from George W Bush himself. Once again the slavic brothers will be split do to the West.
Remember when Bush said that Americans are Serbians friend? Well, good thing that they are not Serbs enemy, in that case Serbia would be renamed Albania.
(Matic, 12 February 2008 17:09)
Is Rupel expect to be taken seriously while he insults Serbia's sovereignty?
On the point regarding Mercator (aside from the bombing which is in my view terrorism as civilians could have been hurt) the fact remains that Slovenia blocked Delta's bid to take over Mercator. It would seem that Slovenia's political and business policy is to dominate over the other Former Yugoslav states and that this is not a two way street!
friends indeed... et tu Rupel...
(Princip, UK, 12 February 2008 12:39)