News roundup - Friday, 19 April, until 3 pm

Slovenia regrets US veto on Palestinian push for full UN membership

NEW YORK, US/LJUBLJANA - Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon regrets that the UN Security Council did not adopt a draft resolution that recommended that Palestine be admitted to full UN membership, the Foreign Ministry said late on Thursday after the US vetoed Palestine's bid. She reiterated that only a two-state solution could guarantee peace. Samuel Žbogar, Slovenia's representative in the Security Council, said that Palestine met the UN membership criteria and that its membership in the UN could significantly support the two-state solution process.

Fajon opens business forum in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, China - Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon opened a business forum in Shanghai, which was attended by a 71-member Slovenian business delegation and representatives of more than a hundred Chinese companies. Fajon held talks with Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng and opened an exhibition on Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik as part of her visit to China.

Slovenians urged to leave Iran

LJUBLJANA - The Foreign Ministry urged Slovenian citizens to leave Iran due to a "serious security situation" in the country. Slovenians are being urged to arrange a safe trip home for themselves. Iran is among the countries with the highest level of risk. This comes after the ministry advised Slovenian citizens against travel to Iran and Israel earlier this week.

Breton discusses industry and competitiveness with Slovenian officials

LJUBLJANA - As part of his two-day visit to Slovenia, European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton met with PM Robert Golob. The pair discussed EU's new industrial policy, measures for strengthening productivity and competitiveness and the opportunities of the EU internal market. Breton discussed similar topics with Economy Minister Matjaž Han, noting Slovenia's favourable investment environment.

Friends of W Balkans conference calls for EU enlargement

LJUBLJANA - The first conference of the Friends of the Western Balkans brought together former presidents and other high officials to discuss and advocate for the enlargement of the EU to the Western Balkans, with attendees noting the region's many challenges. "There is no better alternative for the future of the Western Balkans than full EU membership of all the countries in the region," said Borut Pahor, Slovenia's former president and the founder of the Friends of the Western Balkans think-tank.

Prosecution seeks judicial investigation into former anti-money laundering chief

LJUBLJANA - The Specialised State Prosecutor's Office has asked for a judicial investigation into Damjan Žugelj, a former director of the Office for the Prevention of Money Laundering, and another five individuals who are suspected of abuse of office in looking into bank accounts of over 100 people and companies at the end of 2021, news portal Necenzurirano reported.

Petrol to pay out dividends of EUR 1.8 gross per share

LJUBLJANA - The management and supervisory board of Petrol proposed for the energy company to pay out a dividend of EUR 1.8 gross per share for 2023, which is 30 cents higher than the dividend for 2022. In determining the amount, the company took into account the uncertainty in the energy markets, the development plans of the group and the desire to act responsibly towards all shareholders, Petrol wrote in a press release. The board also approved the annual report for 2023.

Eberlinc joined by Bitenc at helm of gas transmission operator

LJUBLJANA - The supervisory board of Plinovodi, the state-owned operator of the country's gas transmission system, appointed a new management board on Thursday. The company's long-serving CEO Marjan Eberlinc was re-appointed and joined by Matija Bitenc as his deputy. The latter had until recently served as director of Geoplin, Slovenia's No.1 natural gas trader.

Ljubljana gets 88 new apartments

LJUBLJANA - A new public housing development featuring 88 flats opened in the Zelena Jama borough near the BTC shopping district in Ljubljana on Thursday in what is believed to help alleviate Ljubljana's dire need for affordable rental housing. The municipal public housing fund purchased 80 non-profit rental flats and acquired another eight through a swap contract. Most of the flats, which are located in a new housing estate featuring 157 apartments in total, already have new residents.