"Palestine, the buzzword these days, is a country and it is not a country. It has been recognised by 135 countries, but they are mostly former members of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Soviet bloc. Countries of the developed West are not among them (yet).

"Slovenia is no exception. Although politicians in Ljubljana are babbling about the time being ripe for the recognition, they are afraid what Brussels and Washington would say if it decided for the move."

The paper says that this may be politically wise but it is not principled. "At least some of our politicians have enough historical recollection to know how eagerly Slovenia waited for international recognition more than a quarter of a century ago. But now, when the situation is reversed it is unable to take this step," the daily Vecer says.