STA, 27 August 2020 - Slovenia-based artists will be in the focus of the 32nd Nights in Old Ljubljana Town. The international music festival will bring traditional sounds of modernity to the Ljubljana old town Thursday through Saturday.

"Culture is one of the sectors that have been hit particularly hard by the current crisis," Janoš Kern of organiser Imago Sloveniae has said in a press release. "Therefore we decided to support domestic artists this year."

In 23 admission-free events, spectators will be able to listen to music to "some of the best Slovenian performers and selected foreign musicians living in Slovenia. The programme will also be sprinkled with a few top ensembles from abroad".

In total, more than 100 musicians from 12 countries will perform in six venues in the .Ljubljana old town. The festival will feature folk, jazz and classical music, using traditional influence in modern sound forms.

A large share of artists performing are members of ethnic minorities, as the festival will be accompanied by an international conference dedicated to music and minorities.

Organised by the Musicology Department of the Ljubljana Faculty of Arts, the Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (ZRC SAZU) and KED Folk Slovenija, the conference will mark 20 years since the establishment of a minority music study group within the NGO International Council for Traditional Music (ICTM).

The festival will kick off tonight with Mi Linda Dama, an Italian-Serbian ensemble, narrating Sephardic stories to the sound of Andalusian melodies and Arab rhythms.

Moreover, spectators will be able to enjoy a modern take on tango as part of Tori Tango, a project by accordion player Jure Tori, and a performance by Zvezdana Novaković, an interpreter of folk songs, as well as a concert by Kapobando, an ensemble of accordion player Marko Hatlak.

The festival will also feature Flamenko dancer Ana Pandur, accompanied by Vito Mareence Flamenco Duo, Mascara Quartet performing fado, while the ensemble Lasanthi will perform Indian classical music.

The renowned British folk musician Hanna James and her The JigDoll Ensemble will also perform, as well as composers Aldo Kumar and Matija Krečič, with the latter presenting his most recent album Cut/Rez.

The open-air events will take place even if it rains, the organisers have said.

The full programme can be found here

STA, 26 August 2020 - Cinkarna Celje, the Celje-based chemical company, saw its net profit plummet by 21% in the first half of the year to EUR 9.9 million while revenue was down 4% to EUR 88.7 million. Operating revenue decreased by 22% year-on-year, show the company's unaudited results, released on Wednesday.

Cinkarna Celje said that the sales revenue has reached 51% of the planned total for this year, while it warned that it changed is valuation system for stocks of finished products this year. This boosted net profit in the first half by 2.35 million, the company explained, adding the effect of the new validation would be neutralised in the second half.

CEO Aleš Skok assessed that given the current circumstances the sales drop had been minimal. The impact of Covid-19 was mitigated by the absence of Chinese producers on the European market at the beginning of the year.

"Reduced production and increased stocks with buyers affected sales negatively in the second quarter," Skok said, while assessing the drop was smaller than was the average on the titanium dioxide market.

Cinkarna spent EUR 5.6 million on investment in the first six months, which is less then a third of the planned amount.

The management of Cinkarna, whose financial situation remains stable, assessed that the results were objectively good and in line with projections.

The return of Chinese competition and the cooling of the global economy could impact results in the second half, but Cinkarna feels the targetted EUR 174.2 million in in total revenue for the year and EUR 14.1 million in net profit are still attainable.

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Pahor and Steinmeier for a strong & united EU

BERLIN, Germany - President Borut Pahor and his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for a strong and united EU as they held a working meeting. Pahor said Slovenia wanted to remain part of the core EU countries while Steinmeier pointed to the union's common future. The presidents had a long, in-depth and friendly conversation focussing on the EU's future and ways of ensuring its unity, opening a number of topics, Pahor's office said. They shared the belief that the debate on the EU's future should be intensified and should address common European values and a vision of ever stronger integration.

Military taking additional measures to help police guard border

LJUBLJANA - The defence and interior ministries agreed to boost cooperation in guarding the state border. The Defence Ministry said it will tweak the rules and prepare four levels of deployment in line with provisions of the defence act which enable SAF members to help the police patrol the border without having any police powers. The green level will signal the deployment of 150 soldiers along the border, the yellow level 400, the orange level 800 and the red level will mean 2,000 soldiers are to be deployed, reads the ministry's press release.

Police presence beefed up in Roma settlements

LJUBLJANA - Novo Mesto police have recently intensified their presence and preventive activity in areas Dolenjska populated by the Roma community in a bid to prevent high rates of violence and crime. "I feel something positive is happening in the Novo Mesto Police Department area," Interior Ministry State Secretary Anton Olaj told the press after the first meeting of a new task force for Roma issues that he chairs. But he also warned that police were facing staff shortages, including due to increased presence on the border with Croatia.

Unions fear long-term care bill will lead to privatisation

LJUBLJANA - ZSSS, the largest confederation of trade unions in Slovenia, expressed criticism of several parts of the government-proposed bill on long-term care and is concerned that it "opens the door wide to pure private practice". Lidija Jerkič, the president of the ZSSS trade union confederation, said that while a long-term care bill was needed immediately, "this does not mean we need it at any cost." ZSSS said it was problematic that the standard package of services is not defined, so it is unclear what services would be covered from the mandatory insurance contribution.

Slovenia supports Germany's model of European Peace Facility

BERLIN, Germany - Defence Minister Matej Tonin backed at an informal meeting of EU defence ministers Germany's idea for a two-pillar European Peace Facility. In line with the proposal, the financing of operations and missions would be separated from support measures. The efficiency of training missions would also be boosted through closer cooperation with international organisations such as NATO, the UN and the African Union, the Defence Ministry said in today's press release.

Luka Koper to pay out EUR 15m in dividends

KOPER - The shareholders of port operator Luka Koper will get EUR 1.07 gross a share in dividends, the company's AGM decided. In total, EUR 14.98 million will be paid out, while EUR 15 million in profit will remain undistributed. While the management wanted a smaller sum to be paid out, EUR 12.88 million or EUR 0.92 gross a share, the AGM confirmed a counter proposal filed by the Sovereign Holding (SSH).

Cinkarna Celje H1 revenue down by 4% to EUR 88.7m, net profit by 21% to EUR 9.9m

CELJE - Cinkarna Celje, the Celje-based chemical company, saw its net profit plummet by 21% in the first half of the year to EUR 9.9 million while revenue was down 4% to EUR 88.7 million. Operating revenue decreased by 22% year-on-year, show the company's unaudited results. Cinkarna explained that it changed is valuation system for stocks of finished products this year. This boosted net profit in the first half by 2.35 million.

Sava Re intends to pay out dividends

LJUBLJANA - Insurer Sava Re will notify the Insurance Supervision Agency of its plan to pay out dividends for 2019 this year. If the regulator has no objections, Sava Re will call an AGM to decide on the dividend payment. The development comes after the insurance sector was recommended not to pay out dividends due to Covid-19 uncertainties. Sava Re said it would provide strong arguments for its decision.

Most tourism vouchers by far redeemed in hotels

LJUBLJANA - Since tourism vouchers became valid on 19 June, by far the biggest number has been redeemed in hotels, followed by apartments, apartment complexes and camps, show data from the Financial Administration (FURS). So far, a total of 511,554 Slovenian residents have used their vouchers, which is 25% of all beneficiaries. The data for until 23 August shows that a total of 204,010 vouchers were used in hotels, in the total value of EUR 31.1 million, which is 43% of all used vouchers and 47.8% of the entire value spent.

Boris Pahor, fighter against totalitarianisms, turns 107

TRIESTE, Italy/LJUBLJANA - Boris Pahor, an acclaimed Slovenian writer from Italy's Trieste, a Nazi camp survivor and an outspoken fighter against all totalitarianisms, turned 107 today. While only last year he still attended a special event celebrating his birthday, an online event will be organised this year due to his health concerns. In a video posted by the Ljubljana-based publisher Mladinska Knjiga, Pahor points to the three main postulates for the 21st century - freedom, justice and truth.

Medieval town listening to poetry in dark over wine

PTUJ - The 24th Days of Poetry and Wine festival will start in Ptuj featuring more than 30 poets, including this year's guests of honour Scottish poet and novelist John Burnside and Italian poet Patrizia Cavalli. The festival's Open Letter to Europe will be penned by Hungarian author Krisztina Tóth. Apart from the main venue, the oldest Slovenian town, events will take place until Sunday in various other towns and cities across Slovenia.

Dance festival deems art vaccine for maintaining humanity

MURSKA SOBOTA - The 15th Front@ contemporary dance festival got under way in Murska Sobota highlighting that art is a vaccine for preserving humanity. Matjaž Farič, the festival's head, has said that art and culture help maintain some kind of normalcy in our lives, pointing out that digital technology cannot replace the value of live events. The events, running until Friday, will heed public health precautions, but they will raise awareness not merely abut the importance of physical health, but mental health as well.

Celje in Europa League qualifying after defeat against Molde

CELJE - Slovenian football champions Celje will seek their fortunes in the second-tier Europa League after they lost 1:2 to four-time Norwegian champions Molde in the second round of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. Mitja Lotrič scored the only goal for the home side.

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STA, 26 August 2020 - Boris Pahor, an acclaimed Slovenian writer from Italy's Trieste, a Nazi camp survivor and an outspoken fighter against all totalitarianisms, turned 107 today. While only last year he still attended a special event celebrating his birthday, an online event will be organised this year due to his health concerns.

In a video posted by the Ljubljana-based publisher Mladinska Knjiga, Pahor points to the three main postulates for the 21st century - freedom, justice and truth.

"Freedom - because God created man and wanted him free. Also the Holy Scripture, at the beginning of the Old Testament, says that he wanted him free. He could have made him not free.

"Justice - because man has to adhere to what is true, right and necessary. It is right that every man have enough food and income, for himself and for the children."

The third postulate is truth in the sense that everyone must know what is going on, said Pahor, stressing that the truth must not be kept secret.

Asked about the stamina he has at 107, Pahor said he had inherited it from his father, a very able-bodied man, while his mum had also been quite active.

"Then there is also the conviction that being a camp survivor, I have to be a witness to truth. My stubbornness that I have to speak about Nazism as best and as objectively as possible was born in the book Necropolis."

When this autobiographical novel was first published in Slovenian in 1967, it was largely overlooked, but in 1990 it was translated into French to critical acclaim.

The novel has since been translated into many languages, and was also declared the book of the year in Italy in 2008.

Necropolis starts with Pahor's visit to the memorial at the Natzweiler-Struthof concentration camp, also bringing an account of his imprisonment at the other concentrations camps - Dachau, Dora, Harzungen and Bergen-Belsen.

Pahor, who was also a strong opponent of the communist regime in Yugoslavia, has dedicated his life to highlighting the dangers of totalitarian regimes.

A fighter for the rights of endangered languages and cultures, himself being a member of the Slovenian minority in Italy, he often speaks about the need to know history and to honour one's identity.

You can watch the full documentary here

The writer believes that being aware of their national identity is key for Slovenians to survive as an ethnic community in Italy and for humanity in the world.

As a child just before he turned seven, Pahor saw the Slovenian National Hall in Trieste being burnt down by Fascists in 1920.

When the centre was finally symbolically returned to the Slovenian minority on 13 July this year, he received Italy and Slovenia's highest national honours.

Slovenia decorated him for his extraordinary merit in enhancing understanding and integration among nations in Europe and in his relentless promotion of Slovenian identity and democracy. Italy decorated him with the Knight of the Great Cross order of merit.

Despite his initial reluctance to accept the orders of merit, he decided to accept them and dedicate them to all those who had died in concentration camps.

STA, 26 August 2020 - Testing for the novel coronavirus was ramped up to 1,439 on Tuesday, resulting in 36 new cases. There were no Covid-19 deaths recorded yesterday, with the total death toll remaining at 133, the latest data from the government show.

There were 20 persons in hospitals yesterday for Covid-19, but none required intensive care. One person was discharged from hospital.

According to the national tracker covid-19.sledilnik, there are currently 419 active cases, out of the total of 2,722 cases recorded so far in Slovenia.

The biggest number of infections, nine, was recorded in the 45-54 age group, followed by the 25-34 age group (seven) and the 15-24 age group (six).

The data from covid-19.sledilnik also shows that two infections were confirmed among health workers and one in a resident of a nursing home.

The nursing home in Črneče in northern Slovenia could possibly become a new hotspot as infection has been detected in another resident after the first one was detected recently. The first one was admitted to the nursing home last Friday.

Several employees of the nursing home are currently in isolation and the institution has stopped accepting new residents and prohibited all visits and contacts between residents.

Nuška Čakš Jager of the National Public Health Institute (NIJZ) meanwhile told the press that an exceptionally high rise in the number of infections developed in persons in quarantine had recently been recorded in Slovenia.

Infections develop in 10% of persons who have been ordered to quarantine, which means that it is an important measure for managing the spread of infection, added the head of the infectious diseases centre at the NIJZ.

According to her, the number of new confirmed cases among health workers is not increasing drastically, while a high rate of infections among young people could be detected.

Out of the 36 cases confirmed yesterday, seven were imported, of which two each from Croatia and Germany, said Čakš Jager, adding that there were a total of 323 such imports in recent weeks, mostly from Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia and Kosovo.

Considering the latest statistics on infections, it cannot be concluded that the number of new infections will drop in near future, she said.

Government spokesman Jelko Kacin added that the government would get acquainted with the current epidemiological situation in the afternoon and continue the discussion on the preparation of institutions for the expected expansion of infections in the autumn.

STA, 25 August 2020 - Slovenian mountain runner Luka Kovačič has accomplished a new feat by climbing the five highest mountains in Slovenia in less than 14 hours, by his own account.

The three-time winner of the race up the Planica ski flying hill managed to climb Visoki Rokav (2,646m), Škrlatica (2,740m), Triglav (2,864m), Jalovec (2,645m) and Mangart (2,679m) in north-western Slovenia.

Kovačič initially thought he would need a whole 24 hours for the feat, so he even surprised himself by climbing the five mountains in one go in 13 hours and 56 minutes.

A part of the run on Škrlatica took place on a very rocky terrain, which required alpine climbing abilities.

"I have been dreaming for a long time about connecting these mountains in one day. I wondered if it is possible in 24 hours and now I managed it in less than 14 hours," he said.

Kovačič climbed 6,600 metres overall, and covered 55 kilometres, of which 43 kilometres was mountain paths and rocks, seven kilometres was macadam and five kilometres paved road.

The first three hours he ran in complete darkness, while during individual stages he was accompanied by colleague who provided him with morale. His girlfriend Urška Ahac also provided support during one stage.

"Perhaps the toughest part was the climb to Jalovec, in the middle of the day, when it became really hot and there was no wind at all. But I beat the crisis and everything went better than expected thereafter.

"I can tell with full honesty that I enjoyed the entire 14 hours," added the extreme athlete who trains more than 900 hours a year.

"A project such as this requires a complete person, who can stay focused for the entire 14 hours despite the physical intensity. This is not possible without an exceptional physical fitness," he concluded.

STA, 26 August 2020 - The 24th Days of Poetry and Wine (Dnevi poezije in vina ) festival will kick off in Ptuj on Wednesday featuring more than 30 poets, including this year's guests of honour Scottish poet and novelist John Burnside and Italian poet Patrizia Cavalli. The festival's Open Letter to Europe will be penned by Hungarian author Krisztina Tóth.

Apart from the main venue, the oldest Slovenian town, events will take place in various other towns and cities across Slovenia.

The international festival, hosting poets who have gained international acclaim as well as up-and-coming authors, has had to adjust to the coronavirus and all of its ramifications.

Running until Saturday, Days of Poetry and Wine will unfold in both the physical and virtual worlds since in-person events have even greater value in the current circumstances, said Aleš Šteger, the festival's director and a poet himself.

"We need the other, their words, a sense that someone else is there," he said, adding that culture had been one of the areas taking the brunt of the corona crisis.

Due to health reasons, Cavalli and Burnside will not be able to attend the festival in person, the Scottish poet will however address the visitors via videoconference.

Burnside is one of only three poets to have won both the T. S. Eliot Prize and Forward Poetry Prize for the same collection of poems.

Cavalli, another prolific author, is one of the most renowned poets of contemporary Italian poetry.

Tóth, acclaimed Hungarian author and literary translator, will deliver a public reading of the 2020 Letter to Europe at the opening ceremony on Thursday.

The author warns in the letter that there is something wrong with Europe, urging deep reflection on the current state of affairs, including by reading poems, and heeding wake-up calls, such as the corona, climate and migrant crises.

The Open Letter to Europe project was launched in 2017 in cooperation with the Berlin-based foundation Allianz Kulturstiftung and aims to address burning issues by invoking the language of art.

All the letters so far have been well-received and translated and published in numerous languages. They have also been sent to decision makers, including MEPs and members of the EU Council and EU Commission.

Apart from discussions with guest poets and wine-tastings, there will also be poetry readings, including one in the dark tunnels deep under the Ptuj Castle.

Moreover, acclaimed Slovenian poet Dane Zajc will be honoured in an exhibition about his life and work at a library in Ptuj.

Saturday, the final day of Days of Poetry and Wine, will bring another highlight of the festival - the first Ptuj wine promenade will be held in cooperation with the Salon Sauvignon arts and wine festival.

Visitors will be able to indulge in quality poetry and wine in various venues, including cafes, courtyards, pubs, libraries, museums and gardens.

There are capacity restrictions due to Covid-19 precautions and advance bookings are required. Evening events are an exception since they can accommodate more people, said the organisers.

More details on Ptuj's Days of Poetry & Wine

STA, 25 August 2020 - A migrants’ rights advocacy group staged a rally in front of the Centre for Aliens in Postojna (Center za tujce) on Tuesday, claiming that conditions at the centre were reminiscent of a concentration camp and that the rights of foreigners kept there were being violated. The police has rejected the accusations.

The group, called Taskforce for Asylum, spoke on behalf of what were around 50 protestors, saying that grave human rights violations were occurring at the centre.

"You can find yourself here if a you are a foreigner and did not bring your residence documents in order in time, and you can stay locked up by up to a year, often without any contact to the outside world or the chance of an appeal," the group said.

In prison people at least know why they are locked up, can get a lawyer and know when they will be released, while in Postojna they are left at the mercy of a single inspector. Suicide attempts are an everyday affair, the Taskforce for Asylum said.

The group claims that "this disgraceful camp" was further expanded in recent months, with the state starting to send asylum seekers there and returning them to Croatian police from there.

It said one facility was a large warehouse with iron bars that now houses asylum seekers, who are left without basic necessities and kept waiting for a decision for weeks and months.

The foreigners handled this way are resisting and are also trying to get the attention of the public with hunger strikes, the Taskforce for Asylum said.

The protesters demanded today that "this concentration camp" be closed immediately and that the refoulement of migrants to Croatia stop.

The police rejected all the accusations, saying all procedures were conducted in line with national and European legislation and international conventions.

According to the police, it is not true that foreigners were sent to the centre without formal decisions. If there are reservations for sending back an individual, this is taken into consideration and the procedure is halted.

Legal protection is provided for all cases, there is also access to a doctor and psychosocial support, the police told the STA.

It also rejected claims of a hunger strike being under way. The foreigners expressed their discontent in different ways, including by occasionally declining food. Thus there was a situation a few days ago where one of the departments rejected dinner in protest over movement restrictions, the police added.

While also rejecting claims food was being supplied through window bars, the police dismissed accusations regarding overcrowded conditions.

There are presently 93 foreigners at the centre, which has capacity for 180. 68 of those currently there are subject to international protection procedures, while 25 are in the process of being returned.

STA, 25 August 2020 - Net profit at port operator Luka Koper declined by 40% year-on-year to EUR 15 million in the first six months of 2020, as net revenue was down 11% to EUR 107 million. All cargo categories were affected by the slowdown in trade, shows the company's interim report released on Tuesday.

Pre-tax profit (EBIT), at EUR 17 million, was down 42% compared to the same period last year and profit before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) dropped by 29% to EUR 31 million.

While the crucial container segment fared reasonably well, declining by 4% in tonnage and TEU terms, sharp declines in throughput were recorded in other cargo categories.

Dry and bulk cargoes were down by 26%, liquid cargoes by 14%, cars by 18% and general cargoes, which account for the smallest share of overall cargo volumes, by 32%.

Total transshipment, expressed in tonnes, declined by 15% to 10.1 million tonnes.

The figures show the coronavirus pandemic had a significant impact on world trade, but North Adriatic ports were actually not among the worst affected, the company said.

In the container segment, Koper and the neighbouring ports were not confronted with shipping line cancellations that the northern European ports had to face.

In the car segment, Koper even overtook both Spanish ports which are comparable to Koper in terms of cars volumes, CEO Dimitrij Zadel was quoted as saying.

Zadel said it was difficult to predict the end-year figures but the company was "taking measures to ensure access to a sufficient amount of liquid assets to overcome these impacts".

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DeSUS president loses confidence vote, remains party leader for now (adds)

LJUBLJANA - Aleksandra Pivec, the president of the coalition Pensioners' Party (DeSUS), lost a confidence vote at a session of the party's governing council but remains the leader for now. The vote was 33 to 19. While the council had a dismissal vote on the agenda, the session was suspended until 9 September due to differing interpretations as to whether it can in fact dismiss the party president given that she was elected at a congress. Pivec, who only took over in January but has come under fire after failing to pay for two of her recent ministerial trips around Slovenia which she combined with family time, insists that an extraordinary electoral congress is the way to go.

Monday sees 21 coronavirus infections in 1,370 tests

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia recorded 21 new coronavirus cases on Monday after conducting 1,370 tests, fresh official data show. A total of 17 persons were hospitalised with Covid-19, same as the day before, none requiring intensive care. There were no Covid-19 related fatalities. Government Covid-19 spokesperson Jelko Kacin said the number of imported cases was decreasing slightly. Slovenia had 20 infections per 100,000 residents in the past 14-day period. In the past three days, 63,000 Slovenians returned from Croatia without any major traffic tailbacks, Interior Minister Aleš Hojs said.

Slovenia, Argentina affirm good cooperation

LJUBLJANA - Foreign Minister Anže Logar and his Argentinian counterpart Felipe Carlos Sola affirmed the good cooperation between Slovenia and Argentina and expressed interest in further strengthening ties as they spoke over videolink, said the Foreign Ministry. They called for an increase in trade, including with the help of certain legal instruments which are already in the works, and confirmed strong bilateral ties in international organisations. Logar also held a telephone talk with his Swiss counterpart Ignazio Cassis.

Labour minister wants companies to switch from furlough to reduced working hours

LJUBLJANA - The minister in charge of labour, Janez Cigler Kralj, told the STA that the government would decide on Thursday whether to extend the availability of furlough subsidies through September. Personally, he wants as many companies as possible to switch to reduced working hours, but not at any cost. He said the measures introduced by the government so far had helped save 300,000 jobs during the lockdown.

Heavy drop in tourist arrivals, nights partly offset in July

LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian tourism industry, which has been severely affected by the Covid-19 epidemic, saw an upbeat trend in Slovenian tourist arrivals and nights in July, partly offsetting the low numbers from the first half of the year, the Statistics Office said. Over 653,000 arrivals were recorded at accommodation facilities in July, down 27.5% compared to July 2019, with the number of nights down by 18.5% to 2.07 million. However, the number of Slovenian tourists in the overall number increased by 176% to almost 404,000, and the number of nights by 155% to nearly 1.4 million.

Port operator Luka Koper H1 net profit falls 40% to EUR 15m

KOPER - Net profit at port operator Luka Koper declined by 40% year-on-year to EUR 15 million in the first six months of 2020, as net revenue was down 11% to EUR 107 million. All cargo categories were affected by the slowdown in trade, shows the company's interim report. EBIT, at EUR 17 million, was down 42% compared to the same period last year and EBITDA dropped by 29% to EUR 31 million. Total transshipment, expressed in tonnes, declined by 15% to 10.1 million tonnes. The figures show the coronavirus pandemic had a significant impact on world trade, but North Adriatic ports were actually not among the worst affected, the company said.

Business sentiment continues to improve

LJUBLJANA - Business sentiment in Slovenia continued to improve in August, climbing 11.3 percentage points (pp) over the month before. However, the index was still 12.3pp lower than in August 2019, the Statistics Office said. Reaching -6.6pp in July, the index was also 6.7pp lower than the years-long average, the Statistics Office said.

Disaster relief groups and state upgrade cooperation in phasing of EU funds

LJUBLJANA - The Defence Ministry, organisations involved in civil protection and disaster relief as well as municipalities signed on Tuesday an agreement on cooperation in the phasing of EU funds. They expect EUR 120 million in EU funds by 2027 and plan to add another EUR 30 million in own funds to modernise infrastructure, equipment and training. Defence Minister Matej Tonin said that the civil protection and disaster relief system needed to be upgraded and modernised constantly so as to remain one of the best in Europe.

Activists stage protest against alleged maltreatment at Centre for Aliens

POSTOJNA - A migrants rights advocacy group staged a rally in front of the Centre for Aliens in Postojna, claiming that conditions at the centre were reminiscent of a concentration camp and that the rights of foreigners kept there were being violated. The group claims that "this disgraceful camp", which is seeing hunger strikes, was further expanded in recent months, with the state starting to send asylum seekers there and returning them to Croatian police from there. The police has rejected the accusations, saying all procedures were conducted in line with national and European legislation and international conventions. It dismissed claims of overcrowded conditions, saying there are presently 93 foreigners at 180 capacity centre.

Poll: Majority thinks quarantine after Croatia belated measure

LJUBLJANA - More than half of the people recently polled by Valicon think that mandatory quarantine for Slovenians upon return from Croatia is a measure that comes too late. Half of them also agree that the main source of the increase in infections in Croatia and, consequently, in Slovenia are night clubs and irresponsible behaviour of young people. The poll carried out between 21 and 23 August among 523 persons aged 18-75 sees 52% of the respondents saying that quarantine is a belated measure, 24% that it is excessive and 21% that it is a right measure.

Poet Borut Gombač wins Veronika Prize

CELJE - Borut Gombač has been honoured with the Veronika Prize for best collection of poetry while the Golden Coin of Poetry for lifetime achievements went to Iztok Geister Plamen. The awards ceremony was held in the city of Celje, which has given out the prize since 1997. "It's rewarding if you manage to write a book which proves worthy of an award. This is more of an award for the book than for me," said the 58-year-old Gombač. The Veronika Prize, one of the most prestigious poetry prizes in Slovenia, came with a cheque of 4,000 euro.

Kino Otok brings over 100 films from around the globe

IZOLA - The 16th Izola international film festival starting on Wednesday will bring a total of 36 feature films and 67 shorts to the Slovenian coast this summer, with the main part of the festival taking place between 26 and 30 August in the coastal town of Izola. The number of films remains comparable to previous years, whereas the format of the festival has been somewhat adjusted to the coronavirus situation. (See more here)

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