(ANSA) - STRASBOURG, FEB 1 - Slovenia continues to guarantee a high level of protection to the Italian minority living in its territory, but according to the same minority there are gaps between laws and their implementation, the report prepared by the Advisory Committee for the Convention framework to protect national minorities. The individual and collective rights of the Italian community are guaranteed by the constitution, relevant laws and administrative acts. But according to Italians in Slovenia, this legal framework is not implemented satisfactorily, especially in terms of state television broadcasting in Italian, use of language in local administrations, quality of education. According to the representatives of the Italian community, this happens due to the lack of funds and awareness campaigns on the presence of the minority. According to the latest census conducted in 2002, Italians make up 0.11% of the population, that is 2,258 people. The law recognises 4 Italian municipalities: Koper, Isola, Pirano and Ancarano. Slovenia is one of the five member countries of the Council of Europe which has ratified the framework convention for the protection of national minorities which specifically protects Italian community and language. The other countries are Bosnia, Croatia, Romania and Switzerland.

Italy is among the countries that have not yet ratified this treaty that came into force 20 years ago. (ANSA).