By: Bogdan Sajovic
Before the start of the 19th Bled Strategic Forum, which this year is held under the title World of Parallel Realities, there were also smaller protests, mainly against the participation of former Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.
Tzipi Livni attended the forum at the invitation of the government, though her participation was opposed by the President of the Republic, indicating a rift between the presidential office and the government, and signalling potential challenges ahead for Prime Minister Golob and his administration. It is worth noting that Pirc Musar’s election as president was not Golob’s preferred option, but it was favoured by Milan Kučan, whose daughter was notably vocal among the protesters yesterday.
Various pro-Palestinian non-governmental organisations, some of which are partially funded by the state budget, did not present any new arguments. It was the usual repertoire of accusations against European governments for allegedly supporting Israeli genocide against Palestinians, calls to boycott Israel, and demands for Israel to withdraw and give up at least half of the territory to the Palestinians. In essence, it was a familiar display from these NGOs, who create noise to justify their sponsors’ donations and showcase “activities” on which they base their bids for government subsidies.
The appearance of Ana Kučan at Monday’s protest was particularly hypocritical. She posed with blood-stained hands in front of a missile replica, symbolising condemnation of arms trade with Israel. However, Mrs. Kučan herself benefited from arms trade, as in the 1980s, she studied in the U.S., sponsored by the company Smelt, one of the largest arms traders in the former Yugoslavia.
In the 1990s, during Milan Kučan’s visit to Israel, Slovenia purchased a radar system that was never installed, mortars designed for desert warfare and used howitzers (for the price of new ones, of course). One of these howitzers exploded at the Poček military training area, causing the death and injury of Slovenian soldiers. Perhaps after the protest in Bled, Mrs. Kučan could continue her blood-stained hand protests elsewhere.