Schedule of Events for Friday, 23 December

LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian Railways and the operator of the country's lone sea port, Luka Koper, are to sign a contract on upgrading cooperation. The signing is to be followed by statements to the press by the chairmen of both companies at 1 PM. (STA)

LJUBLJANA - At the behest of the trade unions, the National Council is expected to vote on a veto on the recently passed Sunday shopping ban; session starts at 3 PM.

LJUBLJANA - The arts centre Cankarjev dom is to host the national ceremony at 8 PM marking Independence and Unity Day (26 Dec), with Speaker France Cukjati to address the ceremony. An hour earlier, MPs are to meet for a ceremonial session for the same purpose, with Deputy Speaker Saso Pece the keynote speaker.

LJUBLJANA - The chair of the parliamentary EU affairs committee Anton Kokalj is to outline the committee's work in 2005 and speak about future cooperation with the government at a news conference scheduled for 11:30 AM.

LJUBLJANA - Minister of Higher Education Jure Zupan is to speak to the press at 11 AM after meeting all three university chancellors to discuss higher education issues.

LJUBLJANA - The Institute for Slovenian Emigration Studies at the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts is to launch several books at 11 AM, including a new issue of the journal "Dve domovini/Two Homelands".

LJUBLJANA - Press review. (STA)

In case of further queries please contact duty editor at +386 1 241 0109:

8:00 AM to 3:30 PM: Natasa Vlaovic
3:30 PM to 10:00 PM: Matjaz Horvat

Comments and suggestions may be sent to: english@sta.si