Slovenian Prime Minister Jansa: We will suspend the decision to recognize Palestine

Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa stated in an interview with the Israeli press that they aim to fundamentally change their relations with Israel. Criticizing the Palestine policy of the former Prime Minister Robert Golob's government, Jansa accused the previous government, which reacted to Israel's genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, of being "a prisoner of anti-Israel prejudices."

Criticizing the previous government's decision to recognize the state of Palestine, Jansa said, "The left-wing government that has been in power in Slovenia in recent years recognized the state of Palestine in a way that is contrary to Slovenian law. We will suspend their decision."

Describing Israel as a strategic partner and ally, Jansa stated, "We put this issue forward as one of the conditions for joining the coalition, and everyone accepted it."

"Slovenia could be the first EU country to move its embassy to Jerusalem"

The far-right leader, known for his Islamophobic remarks, also said that they would move the country's embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to occupied Jerusalem. Stating that European politicians visiting Israel currently go to Jerusalem, Jansa said, "The right place for my country's embassy is Jerusalem."

The report also stated that the Jansa government plans to defend this approach in Brussels, strengthen the pro-Israel bloc within the European Union (EU), and oppose initiatives for sanctions against Israel.

If it moves its embassy to occupied Jerusalem, Slovenia will be the first EU member state to take this step. Currently, the countries that have embassies in Jerusalem are limited to the US, Kosovo, Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay, and Papua New Guinea.

Slovenian government's support for Palestine

Slovenia had officially recognized Palestine as an independent and sovereign state on June 4, 2024.

After the new government led by Jansa was approved by parliament on June 4, its first act was to remove the Palestinian flag from the government building within minutes. Following this move, the Palestinian flag was ordered to be hung at the Presidential Palace by Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar.

News Source: 12punto