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EU Declaration on Somalia
EU Presidency statement on anti-Israeli remarks by President of Iran
EU Presidency statement on violence in Beirut
“Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – From Words to Reality?”
EU Presidency Statement on signature of Code of Conduct for Free and Fair Parliamentary Election in Macedonia
Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the sentencing of Kamal Labwani
Information on the 5th Summit between the EU, Latin America and the Caribbean, 16 May 2008
Slovenian Presidency welcomes ratification of Lisbon Treaty by parliaments of Lithuania and Latvia
Statement by State Secretary Janez Lenarcic on behalf of the EU Council: Deterioration of the Situation in Georgia
Statement by State Secretary Janez Lenarcic on behalf of the EU Council: Debate on the Annual Report on Human Rights in the World 2007 and Election Observation
‘We cannot avoid the problems of the future but we can affect the scale of their impact’— Prime Minister Janez Janša
e-Health for greater patient involvement and better quality healthcare
Dimitrij Rupel discusses regional situation with Georgian Vice-PM Giorgi Baramidze
Slovenian Foreign Minister Rupel at Council of Europe Committee of Ministers meeting
Transport conference ‘European Union and South-East Europe: A common vision for connecting people’
Regional Seminar on Arms Exports Control
Ankara: Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel heads EU Troika-Turkey meeting
EU Presidency statement on the cyclone Nargis in Burma / Myanmar
EU Presidency statement on the recent developments in the relationship between Belarus and the United States
Informal Transport Council: Meeting the EU’s future mobility and environmental needs
EU Presidency statement on Bolivia
Slovenian Presidency expresses satisfaction at Slovak Republic’s fulfilment of criteria for introducing the euro
EU Presidency Statement on the imminent Execution of Behnoud Shojaee
Presidents of Commission, Council & Parliament discuss climate change & reconciliation with European faith leaders

Friday, 09 May 2008
EU Presidency statement on anti-Israeli remarks by President of Iran
The Presidency condemns in the strongest possible terms the recent statements made by the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr Ahmadinejad. His comments directed against Israel are unacceptable, damaging and uncivilised. Such statements are improper for representatives of the Iranian authorities. The Presidency calls on the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran to stop the hostile rhetoric and refrain from all threats towards other states and nations, members of the international community.

Friday, 09 May 2008
EU Declaration on Somalia
The EU welcomes the significant progress that has been made in the political process in Somalia since the beginning of the year. It reaffirms its full support to the transitional federal authorities for the action taken by the Transitional Federal Government and to the reconciliation strategy by Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein that has made it possible to start a dialogue with all Somali parties, internal as well as external, and to launch a true reconciliation process.

The EU welcomes the envisaged opening of discussions between the Transitional Federal Government and the Alliance for Reliberation of Somalia in Djibouti. These discussions will be a first necessary step towards the initiation of inter-Somali negotiations. The EU welcomes the efforts made by the Transitional Federal Government aiming at reforming the security sector and ensuring the rule of law in Somalia. The EU reiterates its support to the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia Ahmedou Ould Abdallah in his efforts to coordinate the action of the international community and to facilitate inter-Somali political dialogue. The EU expresses its grave concern about the continuing deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Somalia and its willingness to support the efforts of the United Nations to provide urgent response to the crisis.

Friday, 09 May 2008
EU Presidency statement on violence in Beirut
The EU Presidency deeply regrets that violence has erupted in Beirut today. The Presidency calls upon the parties to cease immediately these riots, stop siege of the roads, open the airport and refrain from any further violent acts. We urge opposition led by Hezbollah to stop all disruptive activities and start playing a constructive role in the country. We believe that the parties will solve the crisis only by peaceful means and preserve sovereign, stable and independent Lebanon.

Friday, 09 May 2008
“Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – From Words to Reality?”
The informal meeting of ministers responsible for persons with disabilities and the conference entitled "Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – From Words to Reality?", organised under the Slovenian EU Council Presidency by the Slovenian Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Affairs in co-operation with the European Commission, will be held on 22 and 23 May 2008 in Kranjska Gora. The central topic of the meeting will be the political implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; most attention will be given to progress made in European policy regarding its implementation, which is the responsibility of Member States and the EU as a whole. The patron of honour of the conference will be the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk.

In addition to distinguished experts and the President of the EU Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, Slovenian Minister Marjeta Cotman, the conference will also be attended by the European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Vladimir Špidla, by line ministers from ten countries, and representatives of other organisations and the European Commission. The conference will begin on Thursday 22 May 2008 with opening speeches delivered by the current President of the EU Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, Slovenian Minister Marjeta Cotman, the European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Vladimir Špidla, and the Slovenian President, Dr Danilo Türk. Immediately after the Thursday morning plenary session, at 12.00 pm a press conference will be held at Vitranc Hall/1st floor, at which the highlights of the conference will be presented.

In the morning plenary session, the conference guests will discuss accessibility for persons with disabilities and the integration of disability protection policy in EU Member States; the afternoon session will focus on the lives of people with disabilities in local communities and the implementation and monitoring of the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. At 4.00 pm, the informal meeting of ministers responsible for persons with disabilities will start, which will be closed to the public (family photo at 3.45 pm and possible photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting). On Friday, 23 May 2008, a round table and series of workshops will take place on how to contribute to putting the convention into practice by way of action programmes, with the support of competent authorities and the participation of persons with disabilities.

In addition to the EU Council Minster, Marjeta Cotman, the final meeting will also be attended by the line minister from France, Xavier Bertrand, and the European Commission Director General for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Nicolaus van der Pas. The conference will be open to the public, whereas the informal meeting of ministers responsible for persons with disabilities will be closed to the public. Participants should have accreditation badges (accreditation form enclosed) which will be delivered at the Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Affairs, Kotnikova 5, Ljubljana (on Wednesday, 21 May 2008).

Thursday, 08 May 2008
EU Presidency Statement on signature of Code of Conduct for Free and Fair Parliamentary Election in Macedonia
The Presidency of the EU would like to express its full support following today's signing ceremony of the Code of Conduct for Free and Fair Parliamentary Election, salted for 1 June 2008 in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The Code that was prepared by the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, Citizen's Association MOST and the Macedonian Women's Lobby and signed by more than 30 political parties under the slogan "We Can and We Must – Fair Election 2008".

At the same time the Presidency calls upon all political parties and their leaders to do their utmost to ensure that the electoral campaign and election day will be free and fair, organized in democratic and peaceful atmosphere in accordance with international standards. In doing so they will contribute to the country's continued development into a stable and democratic society and demonstrate that the country is prepared to further its Euro-Atlantic integration aspirations in 2008. Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of democracy.

An essential element of such elections is the freedom to campaign. Each person has the right to put forward his or her opinion without fear which also means allowing every other person the same freedom. This demonstrates respect for the rule of law and acceptance of the code of conduct. The country is capable and willing to execute the elections so that they will be in conduct with all international standards. It demonstrated this in the last parliamentarian elections and now it is time to prove this again.

Thursday, 8 May, 2008
Declaration by the European Union on the sentencing of Kamal Labwani
The European Union condemns the recent decision of a Syrian court to extend Kamal Labwani's 12 year prison sentence by three years, for allegedly spreading information aimed at undermining the morale of the nation, under article 286 of the penal code.

This decision clearly violates the principles of the rule of law and contradicts Syrias international obligations and commitments, specifically as set out in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Syria signed and ratified in 1969, that clearly set out the right to freedom of expression, the right to freedom of assembly and the right to be treated with humanity and respect when deprived of liberty.

Therefore, the European Union urgently calls upon the relevant Syrian authorities to lift this sentence and release Mr Labwani immediately. Pending this decision, the European Union urges the Syrian Government to guarantee adequate treatment and conditions while in imprisonment. The European Union avails of this opportunity to call on the Syrian Government to reconsider all cases of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in accordance with its national Constitution and its international human rights obligations and commitments and to immediately release all such prisoners.

The European Union encourages the Syrian authorities to re-establish dialogue with Syrian civil society. The Candidate Countries Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be
part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

Thursday, 08 May 2008
Information on the 5th Summit between the EU, Latin America and the Caribbean, 16 May 2008
The 5th European Union-Latin America and the Caribbean (EU-LAC) Summit will be organised in Lima, the capital of Peru, on 16 and 17 May 2008.The EU-LAC Summit is one of the major events during the Slovenian Presidency and will be attended by representatives from 60 countries.

The summit will be co-chaired by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia and President of the European Council, Janez Janša, and by the president of Peru, Alan García. The aim of the summit is to strengthen the strategic partnership between the regions based on mutual respect and trust, as well as on shared values, economic, political, cultural, historical and, last but not least, on human bonds. In this light Slovenia and the EU strive to make progress in strengthening the economic cooperation between the regions.The summit has two focuses, namely poverty, inequality and inclusion, and sustainable development:environment, climate change, energy.These focuses cover the most crucial global challenges at the moment, concerning not only the two regions but the whole world.The aim of the summit is therefore to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between the regions in the mentioned fields, and thus to overcome obstacles for the future development of both regions.

In this respect, Slovenia stresses the importance of cooperation in the field of primary and vocational education, which is of key importance for achieving higher levels of economic growth, competitiveness, employment and reduction of poverty. On 17 May there will be meetings (the so-called mini-summits) of the EU Troika chaired by the Slovenian Prime Minister with the representatives of individual sub-regional groups (Mercosur, Andean Community, Central America, Cariforum), Chile and Mexico. A day before the summit, on 15 May, there will be a session of foreign ministers of the EU and LAC countries discussing four of the key topics marking the relations between the EU and LAC and their cooperation.These are migration, intercultural dialogue, regional integration and drugs.

Thursday, 08 May 2008
Slovenian Presidency welcomes ratification of Lisbon Treaty by parliaments of Lithuania and Latvia
Slovenian Presidency welcomes the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty in the parliaments of Lithuania and Latvia. The two countries have thus joined the other Member States that had already endorsed the Treaty in their parliaments. The Treaty of Lisbon certainly represents a solid and relevant basis for further shaping of our common European future.

It will enable the European Union to face the challenges of the 21st century, not only internally, but also in its external relations, which will bring additional benefits to all EU citizens and Member States. Upon the entry into force of the new Treaty, the EU will become more efficient and its functioning more transparent. Moreover, through instruments, such as civil initiative, participation of national parliaments in the supervision of respecting the principle of subsidiarity and the extension of co-decision procedure to practically all areas of EU activity, the Union will come closer to its citizens and become more democratic.

Each ratification is an important step forward on the path to the ultimate goal. The Presidency is closely following the ratification procedures in the Member States; it takes note that they are well underway and that the Treaty enjoys the necessary support. Altogether, the Treaty has been endorsed by parliaments of thirteen Member States so far. Apart from Lithuania and Latvia, it has already been ratified by Hungary, Slovenia, Malta, Romania, France, Bulgaria, Poland, Slovak Republic, Portugal, Denmark, and Austria. The backing the Treaty enjoys is a positive incentive for reaching the common goal of all EU Member States – that the Treaty would take effect on 1 January 2009.

More about the Lisbon Treaty, details of ratification procedures in the Member States, and the benefits the Treaty brings to EU citizens – available on the web site: http://europa.eu/lisbon_treaty/index_en.htm.

Thursday, 08 May 2008
Statement by State Secretary Janez Lenarcic on behalf of the EU Council: Deterioration of the Situation in Georgia
Dear Members of the European Parliament, I am pleased that the European Parliament decided to place the issue of Georgia on its agenda since the relations between this country and the Russian Federation (RF) are very unstable. In the Council, we are following the situation very closely. The General Affairs and External Relations Council had a discussion on Georgia on 29 April. Yesterday, this issue was discussed by the Political and Security Committee as well. On 2 May, the Presidency responded by publishing a declaration on behalf of the EU on the escalation of tension between Georgia and Russia. High representative for the common foreign and security policy Solana spoke twice with President Saakashvili (on 16 and 29 April), and, on 30 April, he also had a meeting with Georgian Special Envoy Bakradze.

The Presidency discussed latest developments with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov during the EU troika meeting with Russia in Luxembourg. Allow me to stress that the EU remains seriously concerned by the recent series of events that have raised tensions between Georgia and the Russian Federation. We are particularly worried because of: the announcement to increase the number of CIS peacekeepers in Abkhazia and to establish 15 additional check-points along the administrative boundary-line; the downing of a Georgian unmanned aerial vehicle in Georgian airspace on 20 April, and the decision of the Russian Federation to establish official ties with institutions of de facto authorities in South Ossetia and Abkhazia without the consent of the Government of Georgia.

The EU reiterates its firm commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders as reaffirmed in the UNSC resolution 1808. Thus, the EU continues to support international efforts towards a peaceful settlement of the Abkhazian and South Ossetian conflicts. In particular, we encourage the endeavours of the United Nations, supported by the UN Secretary General’s Group of Friends, and of the OSCE. The EU has called on all sides to refrain from any steps that could increase tensions and has urged the sides to take action to rebuild confidence. In this light, the EU welcomes the fact that the Georgian President has put forward a new initiative for the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Abkhazia. We hope that it will contribute to a constructive dialogue on the issue. In this regard, the efforts of the European Union Special Representative and the European Commission in building confidence in support of conflict resolution in Georgia will continue. The EU also welcomes the fact that Russia has decided to work on normalisation of its ties with Georgia in some areas. This would lead to lifting of visa restrictions to Georgian citizens, renewing of postal links and other positive measures.

As far as internal situation of Georgia is concerned, I would like to express hope on behalf of the EU that the forthcoming parliamentary elections on 21 May will be free and fair. It is important that the Georgian authorities take all necessary measures to build the trust of the public in the conduct of the elections. In this context, we welcome the launch of an electoral assistance programme funded by the Instrument for Stability. We also value the Polish offer to make the Marshal of the Senate of the Republic of Poland available as a facilitator in the dialogue between government and opposition. All political parties in Georgia, government and opposition alike, must do their utmost to improve the polarised climate in Georgia and to establish a truly democratic political culture. May I conclude by underlining the crucial importance of free and independent media for democracy-building. Equal access of representatives of government and opposition to the media is one of the prerequisites for free and fair elections. Dear Members of the European Parliament, I am looking forward to hearing your views on the situation in Georgia. Thank you very much.

Thursday, 08 May 2008
Statement by State Secretary Janez Lenarcic on behalf of the EU Council: Debate on the Annual Report on Human Rights in the World 2007 and Election Observation
Honourable Members of the European Parliament, I welcome the report by the MEP Cappato on the European Union Annual Report on Human Rights. The role of the Parliament in promoting respect for human rights across the world, as well as your critical view are important contribution to the endeavours of the European Union in this vital area. The Council will examine the report in detail. However, today I would like to respond to some of its key elements. Without a doubt, the report touches on the key challenges which the EU has been facing in the field of human rights. We are pleased that the activities of the European Parliament are also reflected in the EU Report on Human Rights. Its chapter on the EP’s activities acknowledges a significant role of this distinguished assembly in promoting respect for human rights in the world.

The Council will continue its efforts for close cooperation with the Parliament in the future, in particular with the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Subcommittee on Human Rights. We believe that annual reports will reflect the endeavours of the European Parliament in this area also in future. As regards the report’s call for closer cooperation between the Council of Europe and the European Union, I must say that we agree that there are still ways to be explored in this area. Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Council of Europe and the European Union is by all means significant. The European Union respects all endeavours of the Council of Europe in promotion and protection of human rights. The European Union remains also a staunch defender of the UN Human Rights system. We therefore actively support the independence of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and strive for the Human Rights Council to become effective in dealing with serious human rights violations all over the world.

The seventh session of the Human Rights Council which took place in Geneva in March was successful for the European Union: both its initiatives – a renewal of mandates of Special Rapporteurs on human rights situation in Burma/Myanmar and in North Korea – were accepted. All initiatives of EU Member States were accepted as well. The European Union made a huge effort to renew the mandate of an independent expert for Democratic Republic on Congo, but unfortunately was not successful. Among the positive outcomes of that session, a renewal of mandate of human rights and women rights defenders should be mentioned. In April, a new mechanism – Universal Periodic Review – was launched within the framework of the Human Rights Council. The EU considers it one of the key mechanisms for protection and promotion of human rights. It is too early at this stage to make a true assessment of functioning of the new mechanism. However, the first impressions indicate that the Member States take it seriously and with full responsibility. More concerning are the constant attempts of some members of the Human Rights Council to dilute this mechanism. Besides the intensive work within the UN, in the last years attention has been focused on mainstreaming human rights across other segments of foreign policy. I would like to underline that this issue is listed at the top of the Slovenian Presidency priority list.

The Slovenian Presidency also supports all efforts of Mr Solana’s Personal Representative for Human Rights, Ms Riina Kionka, in this area. Allow me to touch upon a part of the report which urges to update the European Union human rights guidelines. During our Presidency, 3 out of 5 thematic guidelines will be updated. Last week, the General Affairs and External Relations Council adopted the revised Guidelines on Torture. Next month, we expect a revision of the Guidelines on the Death Penalty to be concluded, which coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Guidelines. The Presidency has been also winding up a revision of the Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict. In that regard, it should be noted that this month the General Affairs and External Relations Council will approve a two-year review of implementation of the Checklist for the Integration of the Protection of Children affected by Armed Conflict into European Security and Defence Policy. As regards the Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders, your report invites the Member States to consider the possibility of issuing visas to such groups. Within the Council Working Group on Human Rights, the Presidency organized a discussion with a view to exchange information on visa issuing practices, which took place in April.

It seems that the discussion stimulated a number of Member States to explore, together with their Consular Departments, options to assist human rights defenders by issuing them short-term visas. Furthermore, Member States supported inclusion of a reference to this matter in the new Common Code on Visas. The crucial aspect of guidelines is their implementation in practice – monitoring the human rights situation and responding to their violations with diplomatic demarches, and declarations, as well as raising this issue in the dialogues. Dear Members of the European Parliament, One of the important objectives of European common foreign and security policy is to improve the respect for human rights in the world. With instruments such as joint measures and strategies, demarches and crisis management operations, the Union endeavoured to strengthen the democratic process and improve the situation in the field of human rights in many countries. In this view, human rights dialogues are of special importance. The EU has been leading talks with Iran, Uzbekistan, Russia, the African Union and China. Within the framework of the Cooperation Agreements which contain provisions on human rights, such dialogue also exists with other third countries. In that regard, I should mention that the next opportunity for a discussion about the situation in China will be already next week, on 15th May, when the next round of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue will take place in Ljubljana.

I would also like to mention consultations with Russia which were held in April. Honourable Members of the European Parliament, I would also like to touch upon the cooperation between the individual EU institutions in protection and promotion of human rights. In the next few days, the Council will be drafting a reply to the letter from the EP President, Mr Pöttering, regarding interinstitutional cooperation in human rights dialogue. I can assure you that the Presidency has sufficient political will to further these relations. By way of conclusion, I would like to welcome the report prepared by honourable MEPs De Keyser and Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra on EU election observation missions. EU election observation missions are an important element of EU policy on fostering democracy. They contribute to strengthening the democratic election process and assist in developing democratic institutions. This month, the elections are held in many countries; the EU Council has been following them closely and will continue to do so. Within endeavours to deepen the relations between the EP and the Council in the field of EU election observation missions, we have already prepared the exchange of views with the MEPs who have led the observation missions. The reports from the election observation missions are a significant contribution to shaping policy in this area. I believe that today’s discussion will be useful in that regard as well. Thank you.

Thursday, 08 May 2008
‘We cannot avoid the problems of the future but we can affect the scale of their impact’— Prime Minister Janez Janša
Today at Brdo pri Kranju, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia and current President of the European Council, Janez Janša, attended the ordinary meeting of the XXXIX Conference of Community and European Affairs Committees of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC). In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted environmental conservation, the provision of possibilities for continued sustainable development, the success of the fight against poverty, and peace and security in the world as the principal global issues. He stressed that these issues were interlinked. “If the success achieved in the first fifty years of the EU was measured in terms of peace and prosperity, the success of the next fifty years will have to be assessed in terms of the quality of our responses to global issues,” said the PM, going on to observe that new faces of globalisation had emerged. Since, in his opinion, we cannot avoid the problems of the future, trying to avoid dealing with dire forecasts is much more irresponsible today than it was in the past.

The Prime Minister stressed that the European Union had instruments at its disposal to protect itself against most harmful consequences. Energy and climate change issues, rising food prices, measures to help European citizens feel that the openness of the European Union increased its security, and completion of the network of Stabilisation and Association Agreements in the Western Balkans are, in the words of Mr Janša, the current President of the European Council, the main areas to be addressed by the European Union in the near future. In his address, Mr Janša observed that parliamentary democracy at the European level celebrated its 50th anniversary this year and that the pace of cooperation was intensifying.

“Proof of this can be seen in recent agreements concerning the climate change and energy package, the Galileo Programme, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology and all the other dossiers in which we have jointly achieved a breakthrough in the first fourth months of Slovenia’s EU Council Presidency.”

In terms of enhancing efficiency and promoting democracy, the Lisbon Treaty promises further progress. The Spring European Council, according to its current President, Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša, had fulfilled ambitions for the first half of the Slovenian EU Council Presidency. The PM highlighted four key achievements of the March European Council: the launch of a modern three-year cycle of the Lisbon Strategy, one that affords a better balance between a competitive economy and concerns for people and the environment; confirmation of the basic principles and a timeframe for the adoption of the energy and climate change package; definition of further steps to be taken to stabilise financial markets, and the continuation of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation within the Barcelona Process, with the participation of all 27 Member States and without setting up any parallel institutions.

Wednesday, 07 May 2008
e-Health for greater patient involvement and better quality healthcare
Today in Portorož, the two-day 2008 e-Health conference ‘e-Health Without Frontiers’, organised under the Slovenian EU Council Presidency by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia in cooperation with the European Commission, concluded with confirmation of the Portorož Declaration. As the basis for future work by the EU and its Member States in the field of e-health, the Declaration will contribute to improving the quality of health and social care for over 500 million Europeans.

In the Declaration, the Member States and the European Commission undertake to develop advanced information services in the health and social care sectors. In her address, the Minister of Health of the Republic of Slovenia, Zofija Mazej Kukovic, stressed that healthcare management supported by information technology meant greater patient involvement and more effective healthcare providers. The use of tools offered by the internet, mobile telephony and television are changing the role of the patient, who can now be more actively involved in the treatment process. Telemedicine, or the delivery of medicine at a distance, enables us to eliminate all manner of boundaries and thus boost the quality of healthcare. At the conference, experts from 38 countries also presented examples of good practice from the e-health field and highlighted initiatives which could deal with the main health challenges we face in the next ten-year period.

The need to plan the use of telemedicine and innovative information and communication tools in the treatment of chronic disease was stressed. At the end of 2008, the Commission intends to publish a report on this topic, enabling Member States to recognise and resolve potential obstacles in the more widespread use of telemedicine and to coordinate their efforts. Furthermore, the Member States must focus more closely on the new research opportunities in future. In addition, the conference pointed out the need for a transparent legal framework. This would help determine the responsibilities, rights and obligations of all those involved in the e-health process, such as national authorities, healthcare professionals, patients, insurance companies and other relevant actors.

Slovenia was represented at the conference in the form of eight lectures and an exhibition area presenting Slovenia principal achievements in the field of e-health. The pilot projects on the monitoring and treatment of chronic lung disease, the e-depression project, and the partly-implemented e-birth and telemedicine projects were presented.

Wednesday, 07 May 2008
Dimitrij Rupel discusses regional situation with Georgian Vice-PM Giorgi Baramidze
In the margins of the meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the President of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council, Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, today met the Georgian Vice-Prime Minister, Giorgi Baramidze, in Strasbourg. The meeting, organised as a result of discussions at the EU GAERC Council meeting of 29 April in Luxembourg, was intended to acquaint the Council President with the situation in Georgia, which has been rather tense recently.

In conversation with Dr Rupel, Mr Baramidze described recent events and expressed concern regarding the reinforcement of the Russian military presence in Abkhazia and Nagorno-Karabakh. Dr Rupel underlined that the European Union is closely monitoring events and working for a diplomatic solution which would ensure a sustainable peace and appropriate development for the whole of Georgia.

Wednesday, 07 May 2008
Slovenian Foreign Minister Rupel at Council of Europe Committee of Ministers meeting
The President of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council, Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, today attended the meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe at which Slovakia handed over the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers to Sweden. In his address, Dr Rupel referred to cooperation between the European Union and the Council of Europe, judging that cooperation had been given new impetus and mutual trust strengthened by the Memorandum of Understanding signed last year by both organisations. He also pointed out that the Lisbon Treaty opens the way for the European Union’s accession to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

In conclusion, Dr Rupel spoke about intercultural dialogue as one of the priorities of Slovenia’s EU Council Presidency and pointed to the forthcoming official opening of the Euro-Mediterranean University with which Slovenia wishes to make a tangible contribution to the promotion of intercultural dialogue in the region.

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Wednesday, 07 May 2008
Transport conference ‘European Union and South-East Europe: A common vision for connecting people’
The conference ‘European Union and South-East Europe: A common vision for connecting people’, organised by the Ministries of Transport of the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Serbia, the South East Europe Transport Observatory and the European Commission, was dedicated to the presentation of planned activities related to the ‘transport community’ between the European Union and the region of South-East Europe.

The Slovenian Presidency believes that the successful conference will further build on existing good cooperation with the aim of eliminating a transport ‘oasis’ within the European Union and improving mobility in the region and between EU Member States. At the Conference, the Slovenian EU Presidency expressed its unequivocal support for conferring a mandate on the European Commission as soon as possible to open negotiations leading to the conclusion of an EU ‘Transport Community Treaty’ with the countries of South-East Europe. At the Transport Council meeting in April, EU Transport Ministers discussed guiding principles for a transport agreement.

The ‘Transport Community Treaty’ is aimed at establishing a single market for road, rail, maritime and inland waterway transport with the countries of South-East Europe. The Treaty is also aimed at bringing the region’s legislation closer to EU legislation. The Slovenian Presidency is pleased to note that the conference was well attended; it was opened by the President of the Republic of Serbia, Mr Boris Tadic. The South East Europe Transport Observatory deserves special mention for its excellent cooperation in the demanding task of organising and running the conference. I would like to point out that this is also confirmation of the cooperation successfully established in the field of transport, as set out in the Memorandum of Understanding on the development of the South-East Europe Core Regional Transport Network signed in 2004, which served as the basis for the establishment of the South-East Europe Transport Observatory (SEETO). On behalf of the Slovenian Presidency, I would also like to thank everyone who contributed to the successful conclusion of the conference. Let me mention, in particular, the Ministry of Infrastructure of the Republic of Serbia and the European Commission. I am delighted that the Slovenian Presidency proposed this conference and that we could contribute to its successful planning and organisation.

Wednesday, 07 May 2008
Regional Seminar on Arms Exports Control
Jable Castle in Loka pri Mengau saw the conclusion of a two-day regional seminar on arms exports, organised for the Western Balkan countries by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia and the Centre for European Perspective. The seminar was organised as part of EU endeavours to spread the principles and criteria contained in the European Union Code of Conduct on Arms Exports and was attended by experts from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, EU Member States, and Norway. It was the first in a series of projects under the auspices of the European Union aimed at contributing to the effective and responsible control of arms exports in neighbouring countries. By March 2010, four similar projects intended for individual regions in the European neighbourhood will be carried out under the French, Czech and Swedish Presidencies.

Wednesday, 07 May 2008
Ankara: Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel heads EU Troika-Turkey meeting
President of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council, Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, headed the ministerial EU Troika meeting with Turkey in Ankara today. The Turkish delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, Ali Babacan. The Troika meeting was also attended by European Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn and Jean-Pierre Jouyet, Secretary of State for European Affairs, representing the next EU Council Presidency holder, France.

The first part of the Troika was devoted to reviewing the state of EU-Turkey relations. Special attention was given to Turkey’s progress in the EU negotiation process and to the implementation of Accession Partnership priority tasks. GAERC Council President, Dr Rupel, stressed that the Slovenian Presidency is working hard to open two chapters at the negotiation conference in June. He pointed out that the year 2008 is important for the continuation of the reform process in Turkey. He welcomed the amendment of Article 301 of the Penal Code, a constructive step towards ensuring freedom of expression, as a sign of readiness to pursue reform.

EU expects Turkey to make progress both in aligning national law with European legislation and in implementing it. Dr Rupel expressed the expectation that Turkey will implement the Additional Protocol to the Association Agreement in respect of all EU Member States. On a settlement to the issue of Cyprus, the EU welcomed Turkey’s commitment to contribute to the process of seeking a comprehensive solution. The second part of discussions focused on an exchange of positions on topical international issues in the wider neighbourhood – Iran, progress in the Middle East peace process after Annapolis, and the situation in the Southern Caucasus.

Wednesday, 07 May 2008
EU Presidency statement on the cyclone Nargis in Burma / Myanmar
The Presidency declares that the EU stands ready to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the people of southern Burma / Myanmar who have been struck by cyclone Nargis. It notes the readiness by Burma / Myanmar’s authorities to accept external assistance. Every effort must be made to make sure that assistance is delivered directly to the people most affected by disaster. The EU hopes that, in the interest of the population suffering from the emergency, the authorities will make every effort to co-operate with the international relief organizations. The EU will deliver its aid under the terms provided for in the current Council Regulation on Burma / Myanmar. The European Commission has already launched a primary fast-track decision to provide emergency relief for victims of the cyclone amounting to € 2 million. Implementation will be the responsibility of the Commission's Humanitarian Aid Directorate General (ECHO), and will be channelled through experienced humanitarian partner organisations working in Burma / Myanmar, including the Red Cross, European NGOs and UN agencies.

Wednesday, 07 May 2008
EU Presidency statement on the recent developments in the relationship between Belarus and the United States
The Presidency of the EU is concerned with recent developments in the relationship between Belarus and the United States. In particular it regrets the decision of the Government of Belarus to declare 10 United States diplomats personae non gratae. Such a measure is unjustified and harmful to the interests of the people of Belarus. This decision jeopardises the Embassy's ability to operate and carry out normal diplomatic functions. The Presidency would like to express its solidarity with the United States and its diplomatic service. It calls on the Government of Belarus to reconsider its decision and to take immediate steps allowing for a normalization of the relationship between Belarus and the United States on the basis of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Wednesday, 07 May 2008
Informal Transport Council: Meeting the EU’s future mobility and environmental needs
Growing environmental, social and energy-related concerns in the face of increasing demand for transport services – this was the challenge chosen by the Presidency as the main focus of the informal meeting. The discussion revolved around two priority subjects in particular: completion of the Trans-European network and the greening of the transport sector.

The aim of the discussion was to gather some first impressions concerning the European Commission's proposals in this area. Council Chair and Slovenian Transport Minister Radovan Žerjav raised the issue of the effectiveness and fairness of available EU financial instruments – such as TEN-T, cohesion and structural funds – particularly in relation to the share of gross domestic product allocated to transport infrastructure in individual Member States. He emphasised the importance of energy efficiency, particularly in view of the EU's growing energy dependence and the need to lower greenhouse gas emissions. He highlighted the positive effects of the transport system, illustrating the potential advantages of developing sustainable transport, such as the planned Priority Projects 6 and European Transport Corridor V. Good transport links such as this play a key role in the growth of the European economy as increased trade flows demand efficient transport links.

One such example could be the increased role of Mediterranean ports as the closest locations for transport flows from Asia. Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot presented the current state of the European Transport Network and its 30 priority projects, as well as the remaining funding required to complete them. He explained that as of today one third of the priority projects have been completed, for a further third of them the necessary investments have been committed and for the last third completion is essentially scheduled for the deadline in 2020. Jacques Barrot insisted that the Member States have to keep up the momentum for completing the remaining sections, bearing in mind the importance of transnational corridors as a precondition for efficient and sustainable freight flows. Barrot also focused on the need to boost private investments through public-private parnerships that could benefit from the leverage effect of European funding, including TEN-T, regional funds and EIB loans. The Commissioner also outlined the Commission's new policy on "greening transport", including a revision of the Eurovignette directive on green and smart charging.

The participants agreed on the urgent need for environmental sustainability and energy efficiency as the basis for providing a sustainable environment for future generations. Nonetheless, such actions still require an in-depth analysis of all possible side-effects, particularly regarding the competitiveness of the EU economy, the danger of unbalanced internalisation of external costs among individual countries, and the environmental implications of producing alternative energy sources. The discussion provided valuable new input for the Commission and reflected the Slovenian Presidency's ambition to place environmental and climate change issues at the forefront of this agenda.

Wednesday, 07 May 2008
EU Presidency statement on Bolivia
The Presidency of the EU expresses its concern about the worrisome situation in Bolivia following the 4 May referendum and calls on all parties to exert their outmost restrain and to refrain from any action that could thwart the finding of a peaceful and lasting solution to the current situation. The Presidency is convinced that the only way to overcome the present crisis is for all parties involved to engage in meaningful and constructive dialogue, with full respect for the rule of law, territorial integrity and unity, and the legal and institutional framework of the country. The Presidency welcomes the efforts deployed in the same line by the Organization of American States and by the Group of Friends of Bolivia.

Wednesday, 07 May 2008
Slovenian Presidency expresses satisfaction at Slovak Republic’s fulfilment of criteria for introducing the euro
Dr Andrej Bajuk, the Slovenian Finance Minister and current President of the EU Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN), has expressed satisfaction that, in the Convergence Reports published today by the European Commission and the European Central Bank (ECB), the Slovak Republic was assessed as having successfully fulfilled the criteria permitting it to introduce the euro on 1 January 2009.

ECOFIN President Dr Bajuk took the opportunity to stress: “We support the Slovak Government’s efforts to ensure a smooth changeover to the single currency as of 1 January 2009. To that end we will ensure that the proposal is examined thoroughly in the EU Council in the immediate future. We would also express support for further enlargement of the euro zone, subject to the requisite criteria being clearly fulfilled.”

The June Economic and Financial Affairs Council will discuss the Commission and ECB Convergence Reports and will prepare an opinion for the European Council meeting on 19 and 20 June, at which EU Heads of State and Government will discuss and decide on support for the Slovak Republic’s accession to the euro zone. The European Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, which has a consultative role, is expected to adopt an opinion on the Slovak Republic’s accession to the euro area under the consultation process in June. In the final stage of the process, probably at its meeting on 8 July, ECOFIN will adopt the legal basis for the adoption of the euro in the Slovak Republic: a Decision on the adoption of the euro, a Regulation on the final conversion rate and a Regulation on the introduction of the euro.

Monday, 05 May 2008
EU Presidency Statement on the imminent Execution of Behnoud Shojaee
The Presidency of the European Union is deeply concerned by the news of the imminent execution of Behnoud Shojaee, who was convicted and sentenced to death for a crime committed when he was a minor.

The Presidency notes that this juvenile death sentence is in direct contravention of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s international obligations and commitments, specifically as set out in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, both clearly prohibiting the execution of minors or people who have been convicted of crimes committed when they were minors.

The Presidency urges the Islamic Republic of Iran to comply with International Law and to immediately halt the execution of Mr Shojaee and of all other juvenile offenders on the death row, taking in consideration alternative sentences for juvenile offenders and respect for international norms and standards that provide safeguards guaranteeing the protection of the rights of those facing the death penalty. The Presidency avails of this opportunity to reiterate the European Union’s longstanding position against the death penalty in all circumstances, regardless of what crimes have been committed by the individuals concerned. The EU considers the death penalty to be a cruel and inhuman punishment and that it is not effective in terms of deterrence.

The Presidency again urges the Iranian authorities to immediately cease all executions and apply a moratorium on executions, with a view to abolishing the death penalty, as called for in the United Nations General Assembly resolution on a Moratorium on the use of the death penalty, as adopted in December 2007.

Monday, 05 May 2008
Presidents of Commission, Council & Parliament discuss climate change & reconciliation with European faith leaders
On the initiative of the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, an informal dialogue took place on 5 May in the headquarters of the European Commission, bringing together around twenty high-level representatives of Christianity, Judaism and Islam in Europe.

The meeting was co-chaired by European Commission President Barroso, Slovenian Prime Minister and current President of the European Council, Janez Janša, and the President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pöttering. This year’s meeting focused on two major challenges facing the European Union: Climate Change and Reconciliation. This was the fourth annual meeting with religious leaders and the second involving the Presidents of the three EU in

stitutions. The initiative was launched by President Barroso in 2005. This year, discussions centred around “Climate change: an ethical challenge for all cultures”. President Barroso declared: “Climate change obliges all of us to take urgent action. Each part of civil society must contribute to ensuring a sustainable future of our planet. Thanks to their outreach and role in our societies, religions and communities of belief are well placed to make a valuable contribution in mobilising them for a sustainable future. Let’s unite in our common endeavour and prove that the preachers of a clash of civilisations are wrong.”

The President of the European Council, Janez Janša, insisted: “The environment is not only natural but also a sacred place. Community and loyalty between man, nature and the Creator is a basic principle of Judaism, Christianity and Islam alike. Climate change requires us to rethink how we channel imagination, ingenuity and entrepreneurship into creating a world, free of dependence on fossil fuels, and yet prosperous and connected as never before. This would not mean that we should get away with what we have achieved. We should only rethink our achievements and look at them from a different point of view.”

As 2008 is the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, the high-level meeting is a welcome opportunity to focus also on the topic of “Reconciliation through intercultural and inter-faith dialogue”. EP President Pöttering said “Intercultural dialogue is a key instrument to building bridges between people and to safeguarding peace based on mutual respect. Intercultural dialogue therefore is also an important contribution to the European Union’s relations with its neighbouring countries, in particular in the Mediterranean region”.

Participants of the meeting shared their views on the two main themes and agreed on the essential role of religions and communities of belief in tackling our common challenges and mobilising our societies for a sustainable future. Participants demonstrated their willingness and commitment to continue this important dialogue, among themselves and with the European institutions. Commissioners Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Ján Figel’ as well as European Parliament Vice President Mario Mauro also took part in the religious leaders’ meeting.