Slovenia Will Celebrate Next National Day as NATO Member, President Kucan Believes

Ljubljana, 21 June - "I believe that Slovenia will celebrate next National Day as a member of NATO and with EU accession negotiations behind us," Slovene President Milan Kucan said Friday as he addressed the media ahead of National Day. "EU and NATO membership will no longer be goals, but an effective means for the protection and implementation of Slovenia's fundamental existential interests," said the president, hopeful that the political parties would be able to overcome their weaknesses and find the strength to eliminate them.