Speaking at a ceremony in the military base Villaggio Italia marking Independence and Unity Day, Jelusic, accompanied by Chief of the General Staff Gen-Maj Alojz Steiner, congratulated the soldiers on today's holiday.

She pointed out that they, who were striving for peace and security in Kosovo, were the ones who were working the hardest on today's bank holiday.

The minister also pointed to the work of the 23rd contingent, which served in Kosovo during the unrest in northern Kosovo this summer. She believes this contingent was proof that the Foreign Ministry was not the only one building Slovenia's foreign relations.

The Slovenian contingent in Kosovo does not represent only KFOR but Slovenia as well, Jelusic told the ceremony, attended also by mayors of several Kosovo's municipalities and by religious dignitaries.

She also pointed out that it would be better if problems in the country were solved by politicians and not soldiers. Slovenia has been cooperating in the international mission in Kosovo for the 12th year, which is a long time, but the situation on the ground is always bringing new surprises, she stated.