24 April 2008

ELU 06/07/08

SLOVENIAN AMBASSADOR VISITS ASSEMBLY

The Ambassador of the Republic to Slovenia to the UK, H.E. Iztok Miro šič , today visited the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Commenting on the visit, the Speaker, Mr William Hay MLA said:

“We are delighted to welcome Mr Miro šič to the Assembly.

“The Republic Of Slovenia holds the Presidency of the European Union at present. I look forward to hearing more of the areas of work that they have targeted during their presidency.

“One of Slovenia’s goals is the promotion of dialogue between cultures, beliefs and traditions. In the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, I am interested in learning of the successes within the EU and sharing the progress we have made in Northern Ireland and the Assembly.”

Earlier in the morning, the Ambassador met with the First Minister, Rev Dr Ian Paisley MLA.

The Ambassador then met with MLAs including members of the Conference of European Regional Legislative Assemblies to discuss the roles and responsibilities of the Assembly in the context of its European connections.

The Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister hosted a round table discussion and representatives met with the Ambassador in light of its responsibility in scrutinising the Assembly’s overall European policy.

ENDS

Notes to editors
Delegation details

The Ambassador of the Republic to Slovenia to the UK will be accompanied by Andreja Viher, First Secretary, Head of European Affairs.

The Presidency of the Council for the European Union

The Presidency, i.e. the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, is held by each Member State in turn for a period of six months. During this time, the Presidency is the "face and voice" of the European Union, speaking on behalf of all Member States.

In the first half of 2008, Slovenia holds the Presidency for the first time, as the first of the twelve “new” member states that joined the EU in the 2004 and 2007 enlargements to do so.

Tasks of the presidency

Organising and chairing all meetings for the European Council, the Council for the European Union and its preparatory committees and working groups.

Representing the Council in its dealings with other EU institutions and bodies, such as the European Commission and the European Parliament

Representing the European Union in international organisations and in relations with countries outside the European Union.

Media Enquiries to:

Stephanie Mallon, Northern Ireland Assembly Information Office, Room B2, Parliament Buildings, Belfast BT4 3XX.
Tel No: 028 9052 1953. Fax: 02890 521961.

Website Address – www.niassembly.gov.uk
Email: info.office@niassembly.gov.uk