News roundup - Saturday, 24 February

Golob, Fajon condemn Russian aggression on 2nd anniversary of war

LJUBLJANA/NEW YORK - PM Robert Golob spoke on the occasion of the second anniversary of the Russian attack on Ukraine about two years of "complete disregard for the principles of international law," while FM Tanja Fajon again condemned the Russian aggression and demanded its army withdraw from Ukraine. Golob's office said that he also mentioned the "disrespect of the UN Charter by the Russian aggressor" in this context. Fajon, taking part in Friday's session of the UN Security Council, said that the "aggression is an open violation of the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act on the inviolability of borders."

President pays tribute to Ukrainians with their folk song

LJUBLJANA - On the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine, President Nataša Pirc Musar again strongly condemned the Russian aggression and said Slovenia continues to stand in solidarity with Ukraine. To pay tribute to the people of Ukraine, she sang a Ukrainian folk song with singer Kristina Oberžan, publishing the video on her Instagram profile. "Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow described music as the universal language of humanity. We all understand it, if we only open our hearts and listen to what it tells us. Deep down I believe that it brings us messages of peace, love and coexistence," the president said.

Survey shows Slovenians reservedly on side of Palestinians

LJUBLJANA - The majority of respondents in a panel survey conducted for by Mediana believe that Israel's actions in Gaza are genocidal or that the country violates international and humanitarian law. They also mostly agree with the current policy of the Foreign Ministry regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Gaza. They are, however, reserved to the more harsh reactions from Slovenia, such as a boycott of Israeli products and banning Israeli athletes from participating in international competitions. The poll was conducted among 520 people between 20 and 22 February.

Strong wind uprooted trees, knocked down utility poles

POSTOJNA - Road maintenance workers and firefighting brigades were busy on Friday afternoon and evening as strong winds in western Slovenia uprooted trees and knocked down utility poles. Roofs on seven buildings were also damaged. Uprooted trees obstructed traffic in the municipality of Cerknica, in the village of Dovce and on the Zelše-Rakov Škocjan road. Similar issues were also reported from Koper and Piran on the coast, with one tree blocking the access to garages in Koper and closing off a road in Piran. A 450-year-old linden tree was also knocked down in the village of Brezovica.

Double Ski Flying World Cup victory for Slovenia in Oberstdorf

OBERTSDORF, Germany - Slovenian ski jumpers scored a double victory in the Ski Flying World Cup event, with Timi Zajc claiming the win with 449.3 points, followed by veteran Peter Prevc. Prevc, who has announced he will conclude his career at the end of the season, missed on what would be his 24th victory in the Wold Cup by 4.2 points, while the excellent day for Slovenia was rounded off by his brother Domen Prevc (430.6), who was 5th. "I know this ski flying hill very well. I managed to make two excellent jumps. I'am also very happy for Peter, who is competing in his last season," Zajc said.