Rupel was speaking on Slovene Television's primetime news, asked to comment on today's Croatian-Slovene border incident in Piran Bay in the northern Adriatic.
The minister said the issue should be dealt with on a lower level. "I wouldn't rush with a reaction or sudden decisions. We have a good position and enough time."
He said one of the priorities of Slovenia's chairmanship of the OSCE would be Southeast Europe and Kosovo.
Rupel said Slovenia would have little time next year to deal with relations with its Western Balkan neighbours, but added Slovenia's policy within the OSCE would be directed towards the stabilisation of the region.
The incident Rupel referred to occurred at 1230 hours today when, according to the vice president of an Istrian fishermen's guild, Danilo Latin, a Slovene police boat crossed the borderline in Piran Bay (aka Savudrija Bay), entering about two miles into Croatian waters. He said the boat caused waves, disturbing Croatian boats who were there fishing. A Croatian police boat arrived on the scene shortly thereafter, staying there for two hours.
Istria County Police spokesman Robert Pavlekovic confirmed the incident.