Polak Petrič will also serve as Slovenia's representative in negotiations on guarantees for the Yugoslav-era foreign currency savings deposits under the auspices of the Basel Bank for International Settlements.

Gabrovec served as high representative for succession since 6 April 2009, and in 2001-2005. Miha Pogačnik served at the post in between. Gabrovec would not comment on his dismissal for the STA.

Ana Polak Petrič has been a career diplomat with the Foreign Ministry since 2003 and since March 2012 served as representative for succession issues, the Government Communication Office said.

She has graduated in law and obtained a masters degree in international studies from the Vienna Diplomatic Academy. She is an expert in international and European law and human rights law.

Between 2007 and 2011 she served at Slovenia's missions to the United Nations, Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and other international organisations in Vienna, among other things.

The high representative for succession is responsible for the implementation of the Succession Agreement, representing positions previously confirmed by the government.