News roundup - Sunday, 26 May

Fajon tells Al Jazeera "we certainly see signs of genocide" in Gaza

DOHA, Quatar/BRUSSELS, Belgiu, - Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon sees "signs of genocide" and violations of international law through Israel's exploitation of starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza. In an interview with Al Jazeera, she argued insufficient efforts have been made to end the war and that it is unacceptable that "Western bombs or weapons are used to kill civilians and continue the war in Gaza". She also discussed Slovenia's endeavours for the recognition of Palestine, expressing the hope other countries will follow suit. While the interview was aired on Saturday, Fajon continued striving for additional EU member states to join in recognising Palestine during meetings in Brussels today and Monday focused on the Middle East conflict.

Pogačar wins Giro D'Italia in grand style

ROME, Italy - Slovenian cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) has won the Giro d'Italia, finishing his debut in the Italian grand tour almost ten minutes ahead of his closest rivals. The 25-year-old clinched the win already well before today's all but ceremonial ride in Rome, winning six of the 21 stages, finish second twice and third once. The two-time Tour de France winner (2020, 2021) wore the pink jersey of the race leader in all but the first and second stage, destroying his opponents in the the mountains to build up a gap of 9:56 ahead of second-placed Columbian rider Daniel Martinez (Bora-Hansgrohe) and 10:24 ahead of Britain's Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) in third place.

Major retailers back deposit return scheme as decision nears

LJUBLJANA - As the Environment Ministry is finalising its decision on introducing a deposit return system (DRS) for plastic bottles, an expanding coalition of stakeholders is voicing support for its implementation. Notably, the majority of prominent retailers, allegedly bar Mercator, now backed the initiative, under which they would serve as primary collection point organisers. While intensive talks with the Environment Ministry have been under way for two years already, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS) urged the government early this week to promptly introduce the system to see its appeal echoed by several environmental NGOs.

SLS seeking courage at pre-election camp, hoping to preserve one MEP

ŠENTJERNEJ - The People's Party (SLS), a once powerful party that has however failed to make it to parliament in the last three attempts, held its annual camp event, focusing on its efforts to preserve its seat in the European Parliament. While the SLS Running alone this year unlike in 2019 when it shared the slate with the survey-leading Democats (SDS), its head Marko Balažic remains optimistic. He criticised the domination of self-interest, which is often put before the interests of the state, the disparaging attitude to farmers, craftsmen, entrepreneurs and workers, and monopolies in the energy and healthcare sectors.

Short animated film Three Birds competing at Krakow festival

KRAKOW, Poland - The Krakow Film Festival, one of the oldest in the world, got under way and will also feature a Slovenian global premiere. Three Birds (Tri tičice), the solo debut of seasoned animator Zarja Menart, has made it among 37 films to be screened in the short films competition section and vying for a place on the shortlist for the European Film Awards and the Oscars. Menart has been one of the main animators working for years on projects led by multi award-winning Slovenian animator Špela Čadež.