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Balkans: Pahor, EU enlargement is 'geopolitical' issue

Slovenian president, nationalist forces could re-emerge

17 April, 16:32
(ANSA) - BELGRADE, APR 17 - According to Slovenian president Borut Pahor, the EU enlargement to the Western Balkan countries is very important and should be considered a geopolitical issue, which is crucial to guarantee security in this region.

Speaking at an international conference held in Sarajevo today, Pahor expressed fears that a delay in the EU enlargement process could threaten European integration and security. ''Brussels should understand that the enlargement process must be carried out more quickly'', said Pahor, local media reported.

Otherwise, he said, ''the nationalist forces will re-emerge'', and will try to reshape the borders on the basis of ethnic principles. This would endanger the security of the whole of Europe. Slovenia, one of the countries that were part of the former Yugoslavia, joined the EU in 2004, along with other states of the former communist block in central and eastern Europe. (ANSA).

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