Statement by the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon:

"Today, the Ministry summoned the Serbian Chargé d'Affaires over the unacceptable and offensive statement made by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić following yesterday's Security Council debate on the UNMIK report, and expects from Serbia an explanation and an apology.

Slovenia rejects this level of public discourse; the statements made by the Serbian President are untrue and constitute an insult to the entire nation. The message is inappropriate for a country that professes its commitment to and alignment with European values, which it underlines in the EU accession negotiation process.

Again, we see that only sincere dialogue, characterised by listening to one another, can take us forward.

It is imperative to proceed from understanding and deep respect for the suffering and victims on both sides, but it is also necessary to think about a common future within the EU.

We have much to discuss, but we should comment less on one another and not disparage each other. This makes it all the more important for all of us to be mindful of the words we use."