President Kucan Offers His View of Slovenia Nine Years after Gaining Its Independence

Ljubljana, 22 June - The ninth birthday of Slovenia can be expected with optimism, as Slovenia is a successful country in which state bodies function, human rights are being respected satisfactorily, macro-economic indicators are favourable, the international image and credibility reaches high levels, the path to Euro-Atlantic integration is set down well, there are no major problems in concern to neighbourly relations and Slovenia is an active member of the international community, said Slovene President Milan Kucan at a traditional press conference before National Day, celebrated on 25 June.