ROBERTSON TELLS SLOVENES NATO ENTRY IS BETTER THAN ISOLATION

LJUBLJANA, March 9 (Hina) - NATO Secretary-General George Robertson told Slovenes ahead of visiting their country on Monday to vote at an upcoming referendum for admission into NATO as the alliance provided long-term security and stability. #L# This is a lifetime opportunity for Slovenia and participation in decision-making in NATO is better than isolation, Robertson told Slovene media, adding that if Slovenes were to vote against admission their country would remain on the margins of the alliance and others would be deciding about its future. Robertson said NATO had indirectly ensured a stable development for Slovenia despite its proximity to a formerly war-struck region. Slovenia's citizens will decide about admission to NATO and the European Union at a March 23 referendum. According to data released by the government, public opinion polls show that 37 percent of constituents are in favour of NATO entry, 36 percent are against, while 27 percent are undecided. During his stay in Ljubljana, Robertson will meet Prime Minister Anton Rop and President Janez Drnovsek. He will also address parliament. (hina) ha