According to the Slovene News Agency STA, commenting on a statement by European Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn that Croatia did not meet conditions for the start of EU entry talks, Rupel said he hoped negotiations would start on March 17, as scheduled.
"I hope that nothing will go wrong in relation to our former statements and conclusions, even though I felt that some colleagues showed a dosage of scepticism," Rupel said and added Slovenia still supported the start of negotiations with Croatia and the inclusion of the entire western Balkans in the EU.
"Slovenia supports the start of negotiations with Croatia and its position regarding the EU expansion to the Balkans is positive in principle. From the strategic point of view, I cannot even imagine a solution to the Southeast Europe outside of the European context. Any delays with Croatia would cause delays with other projects in the region and Slovenia is not interested in that," Rupel said.