Few Surprised, Opposition has Mixed Feelings About Timeliness of Drnovsek's Choice

Ljubljana, 14 June - The leaders of Slovene parliamentary parties showed no great surprise with Friday's announcement that Prime Minister Janez Drnovsek intends to run for president. While the ruling coalition parties see it as an important development for the presidential race, the opposition has mixed feelings, with some fearing that it could lead to political instability at a crucial time, when Slovenia is taking its last steps towards EU membership and also expects to get an invitation to join NATO.