WITH MINISTER FASSINO ABOUT STABILITY PACT

Ljubljana, 8 September 1999


In conclusion of his visit to Slovenia today, the Italian Minister of Foreign Trade, Mr Piero Fassino, was also received by the President of the Republic, Mr Milan Kucan. They discussed the situation in Kosovo and in Southeast Europe, with special emphasis on the international community's efforts for the stabilisation of the situation and on preparations for the area's economic reconstruction headed by Italy under the Stability Pact. Minister Fassino underlined Italy's interest in economic cooperation with Slovenia in this project as well, whereby possibilities for trilateral cooperation with Hungary also remain open. The point of departure for economic reconstruction is namely a common interest for the inclusion of as many European states as possible into this project, Italy's interests also lying in Slovenia's active participation. The Minister and the President also agreed that economic reconstruction must be carried out in the form of a project, not in the form of state aid, and that the management and financing of activities must be as transparent as possible.

Minister Fassino also took this opportunity to inform President Kucan on the parliamentary proceedings concerning the adoption of the systemic act on the protection of the Slovenian community in Italy and expressed his optimism for the prompt adoption of the said act.