Representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Police have met this morning with the mayors of 13 municipalities which are expected to bear the brunt of a large number of refugees.
The invitation for the meeting has been sent to the representatives of the municipalities Ankaran, Brežice, Celje, Črnomelj, Lendava, Logatec, Postojna, Vrhnika, Ljubljana and Maribor. At the meeting the present situation regarding refugees will be presented, including the already made preparations, while plans for further measures will be discussed.
Slovenj Gradec is offering help
Slovenj Gradec had already expressed its willingness to accept refugees. After the mayor Andrej Čas last week informed the president of the government of their offer in written form, last night it was supported by the municipal councillors.
Most of them agree that it is a nice gesture of the city which is proud to hold the title 'Peace Messenger', and they are convinced it is a good opportunity to get from words to actions. "Such actions are required which include a gesture of humanity, solidarity, tolerance – we must be willing to help people regardless of the colour of their skin, their religion, or origin. These people are in great distress, and will seek shelter also in our surroundings," Boris Raj explained.
No plan?
Nobody is opposed to the mayor's plan, but some questions are being raised regarding the actual plans. "The proposal is not backed up by a good plan for solution of the crisis, and I am afraid it will remain only a polite gesture, without actually helping these people," Bojan Navodnik cautions.
The mayor has already considered the available capacities the municipality might offer for settlement of refugees, i.e. Partizanski dom in Kope, and the holiday home in Fiesa, yet some don't consider it the optimal solution, especially the second suggestion which involves also the municipality of Piran.