Pahor's letter from Thursday reveals that Žbogar tendered his resignation as minister after he was appointed to the post in Kosovo. However, Pahor says that Žbogar is bound by the article 115 of the Constitution and his oath to stay on until his successor was appointed.

According to Pahor, Žbogar cannot resign, because he officially ceased to be minister when the government got a no-confidence vote. He must therefore perform regular duties until the new government is appointed.

The Foreign Ministry told the web portal of public broadcaster RTV Slovenija that Žbogar handed his resignation to Pahor on 31 January. During his absence, his duties at the ministry should be taken over by State Secretary Dragoljuba Benčina.

Žbogar told the STA a few days ago that he was to leave for Kosovo on Monday, 6 February. His term runs until mid-2013 but can be extended. He will also perform the twin task of head of the EU office in Prishtina, a position he has been appointed to for a four-year term.

Žbogar's appointment got Slovenia its first high-raking official in the European External Action Service (EEAS). The Kosovo post is one of the key posts in the Western Balkans.