Golob stresses commitment to Gaza ceasefire, importance of EU unity
Berlin, 18 February - Prime Minister Robert Golob reiterated his view that everything should be done to prevent an attack on Rafah, as he spoke to the broadcaster Al Jazeera at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday. He said that humanitarian aid to Gaza must be enhanced and expressed his desire for more unity within the EU on the Gaza ceasefire.
Munich, Germany
The logo of the Munich Security Conference.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
File photo
Munich, Germany
PM Robert Golob speaking to the press at the Munich Security Conference on Friday.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
File photo
"There's a common consensus that we are very worried about the situation on the ground, and that we shall do everything we can to prevent the attack on Rafah. And the same goes for humanitarian aid. We need to do whatever we can to get more aid on the ground."
Golob also commented on his Friday meetings with US Vice President Kamala Harris and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the security conference, in which he called for an immediate end to the fighting in Gaza and for the prevention of a humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah.
"We're really running out of time... Hopefully, there is going to be some development in the next days or weeks," he said when asked whether he received some signs of hope from Harris about a ceasefire. What also inspired him with some hope was a clear signal from her about the right to self-determination for Palestinian people.
Golob urged the EU's unity on the issue of Gaza ceasefire, where he would like as many EU countries as possible to join Slovenia's position to show unity in the EU.
"The strength of the EU lies in its unique unity. So the more united, the stronger. And we're trying to apply the same rule to the Gaza situation. Slowly, we are getting forward. But again ... too many lives have been already lost. So I'm not sure whether just looking for unity will help."
Asked about a reform of the UN Security Council while Slovenia is its member until the end of 2025, Golob reiterated his view expressed in Saturday's discussion at the security conference in that this is not the right time for reform. "We need to find solutions within the existing framework and leave the reform for better times."