Dear journalists and other media representatives, welcome
to today's press conference in the wake of the first regular
meeting of the National Security Council during the present term.
We're joined by Prime Minister Golob, who also chairs the Council,
and by President Pahor.
The broad security situation due to Russia's aggression
against Ukraine was the topic. Prime Minister Golob will now
tell you more.
Thank you and hello. Mr. President.
Today, we had the first regular meeting
of the strategic Council for National Security
in its new composition. We invited all the party heads,
the leadership of the National Assembly,
and the President.
The debate was about the effect of the Russian aggression
on the security situation in Slovenia.
The debate was assisted by briefers.
We examined the situation in both Ukraine and Slovenia
in all the relevant areas, from foreign policy
to legal matters, domestic policy, infrastructure, and intelligence.
The good news is that, here in Slovenia,
we haven't seen any increased risk.
Of course, the situation in Ukraine is truly critical,
as you know. It has been especially critical since
the beginning of systematic Russian attacks
on civilian and energy infrastructure.
They're no longer going after military targets.
Instead, they want to deplete the will of the Ukrainians
to defend themselves and exhaust the Ukrainian state.
Finally, we unanimously passed a resolution
that we've familiarized ourselves with the situation
and came to a joint conclusion
that as long as Ukrainian people have the will
to defend themselves, it is our obligation
to support them.
We have no right to force them to accept solutions
that they do not accept.
The President and I agree that it's important
for this message to be sent unanimously,
on behalf of Slovenia's entire political arena
and all branches of government.
It gives the maximum support to all the efforts
of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.
Thank you. We'll now give the floor to President Pahor.
I'll begin by stating that the actions
of the Slovenian government are appropriate
both domestically and internationally, especially
within the EU and the West, of which we are a part.
I feel it's important that we take steps to maintain internal
political unity in how we view Russia's aggression
against Ukraine, and to be a part of a unified Western world
in how we're facing these security, political, economic,
and other threats.
The Prime Minister mentioned an important message,
which we're repeating in the wake of the National Security Council
meeting: As long as the people of Ukraine and their government
have the will to exercise their right to self defense,
we have no right to impose peace at all cost
against their will.
We feel that this unanimous opinion is important
because it's very human to ask ourselves
how and when we can resolve the war using peaceful means.
We can do that when the Ukrainian people
and their legitimate leadership make that decision.
Thank you very much. We'll take two questions on this topic,
which is crucial for Slovenia, Europe, and the world.
Please introduce yourself and state for whom
your question is intended.
Metka Majer, POP TV.
Since members of the opposition were present here:
Before the meeting, the head of the SDS stated
that he would point out the differences
between your words and the votes of the coalition's MEPs,
which he sees as pro-Russian. Have you discussed that?
Regarding the opposition, since Mr. Tonin attended
the meeting, and he is the former Minister of Defense,
did you discuss any differences regarding the procurement contracts?
Thank you for the question. I'll give a straightforward answer.
We were unanimous today.
There were no differences among our conclusions,
be it from the coalition, the opposition, the government,
the National Assembly, or the President.
This message of unity is the most important.
We debated some of these different views, if you will.
I believe that the true situation is much less...
that these views are more coordinated than they may seem.
Of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
As for Slovenia's policies,
they don't depend on individual MEPs, but rather on institutions.
The policy of this government has been consistent.
We've always put it up for a vote in the National Assembly,
where we've always received unanimous support.
I believe we must and will remain united here in Slovenia.
It wouldn't make sense to comment on anything else,
because individuals are individuals, while we represent the country,
and this is what counts. -President Pahor,
anything you'd like to add? -No thanks.
A question from Gašper Lubej, Al Jazeera.
Hello. I'd like to know when the government
will decide on the mission to Ukraine
and what form that cooperation will take.
I'm thinking of the EU mission, the EUAM mission.
The government has decided to send this to Parliament,
so when will it be finalized and in what form?
As you mentioned, the government has already taken positions
regarding this matter. Slovenia is determined to take part.
To clarify this for the public, we're talking
about a training program for the Ukrainian forces
that isn't taking place in Slovenia. It will take place elsewhere.
The other details will be coordinated with our allies.
I'm confident that the Parliament will confirm this.
I can't tell you when this will happen.
The Government will look at this before it returns to Parliament...
The Government will approve this, but we're waiting for the procedure
to be completed, and we're not seeing any obstacles on this path.
We're determined to join our European allies
and participate in this mission as an equal member.
Thank you both for joining us. -Thank you.
And now...
The Prime Minister will answer these questions in the days ahead.
We'll now be joined by the head of NSi, Matej Tonin.
We're waiting for him.
Go ahead, Mr. Tonin.
The middle podium is yours.
Hello. The meeting of the National Security Council
was useful in my view.
We exchanged views and opinions of the current situation
in Ukraine and the role of Slovenia in regard to Ukraine.
I'm happy that we came to a unanimous conclusion
that we have a moral duty to support Ukraine
in its efforts to preserve its independence.
This is our key message.
Even though we have recently seen, even in Slovenia,
the emergence of various narratives calling for the warring parties
to take part in negotiations,
this isn't as simple as some imagine it to be.
Stated very directly, if Ukraine stops fighting,
we'll be faced with capitulaton,
but if Russia stops fighting, we'll have peace.
That's why we need to work for peace
and support Ukraine as best we can.
Only when Russia realizes that it can no longer
obtain any military advantages will there by the diplomatic
readiness for a peace treaty and a permanent peace.
I'm glad that Slovenia will do its best
in terms of military equipment, technology, and financial support.
Thank you. Any questions? Metka.
To the microphone, if you will.
If you were in the government, do you think Slovenia should do
more to help Ukraine? Would you call for some
additional activity? My second question is a political one.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but for the first time
since you urged the SDS head to step aside and your party
indicated its lack of confidence in him,
you met with him for the first time. What did that meeting look like?
First, regarding the technical and military help to Ukraine.
I'm happy that this government has continued
to pursue the measures introduced by the previous government.
This government had the power to stop the donation of BVPs,
those 35 infantry vehicles.
It could also have stopped the donation of M-55S tanks,
but the government has continued all that, and the Ukrainians
are grateful that we contributed to their military power.
In this regard, I'm happy that this government
has continued what we started.
Frankly, even we wouldn't have been able to do more
because the Slovenian Armed Forces don't have the resources
to donate more than what it has donated so far.
You'll remember the various readiness reviews
with the President.
The room to maneuver beyond what Slovenia has given
was limited, but I'm grateful that this has happened.
And the second question regarding relations with SDS.
I have nothing to add. I've said everything I wanted to say,
but your understanding was incorrect.
I've only spoken about the work of NSi, while other parties
is neither up to me or up to NSi.
Any other questions for Mr. Tonin?
No? Then I'd like to thank everyone for joining us
and wish you a nice day.