150,000 SERBS IN SLOVENIA STILL WITHOUT MINORITY STATUS, UNITY IS KEY

BELGRADE, JANUARY 6 /SRNA/ – The President of the Association of Serbs of Slovenia Zoran Ristović told SRNA that he cannot say he is satisfied with Slovenia's treatment of the approximately 150,000 Serbs living in the country, given that they have not been granted national minority status, but added that part of the problem also lies with the Serbs themselves, who remain divided.

Ristović noted that two major organizations operate in Slovenia—the Association of Serbs of Slovenia, established with the support of Serbia, and the earlier-founded Association of Serbian Societies, led by Milan Glamočanin. He stressed that Serbs must become more active and united, particularly through the unification of the Association of Serbs of Slovenia and the Association of Serbian Societies of Slovenia, so they can act jointly in pursuing national minority status. "When it comes to national minority status, until we unite our two associations and become an umbrella Serbian organization in Slovenia, and then raise this issue together, I do not believe this will happen," Ristović said. He expressed hope that the position of Serbs in Slovenia will improve after the upcoming elections, as well as through stronger cooperation with the institutions of Serbia and Republika Srpska. According to him, Serbian societies in Slovenia are making every effort to present Serbian culture. "It is not only about financial assistance - if we present folklore, support also comes in the form of traditional costumes. My heart is full when I see children aged two, three, four or five dancing and singing Serbian songs," Ristović said.