§ Sir Russell JohnstonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made towards the establishment of an association agreement between the European Union and Slovenia; what is the policy position of Her Majesty's Government with particular reference to the Italian stance; and if he will make a statement
§ Mr. BaldryThe content of a negotiating mandate for an association agreement with Slovenia has been agreed, but a bilateral problem between Italy and Slovenia has prevented the Foreign Affairs Council from approving the mandate. We have made it clear, including to the Slovenian Prime Minister on his recent visit to London, that we want this mandate to be agreed as soon as possible and have urged the parties to resolve their differences.