Slovenia Awaits Agriculture Negotiations with EU, Says Minister But

Ljubljana, 25 October - Slovenian Agriculture Minister Franci But hailed the EU accord regarding the gradual introduction of direct payments in agriculture for new member states from the year of the accession onwards. "That means we have more time for negotiations. The EU can thus formally present its negotiating standpoint and negotiations can begin," said But, adding that Slovenia would promote two basic demands - to shorten the transition period for direct payments and have the right to compensate for the difference in payments from the national budget.