Since I lived abroad from 1941, first in Italy and then in Switzerland, before returning in 1977, this had two consequences for me: first I hardly knew the conditions in Slovenia, and second, I had many connections with various public figures in Switzerland and elsewhere around Europe.

For me the vote on an independent state for Slovenia was an exceptional event, since the long-cherished dreams from my childhood before the Second World War had been fulfilled. I turned for international recognition of Slovenia to several figures I'd met in person, from Pope John Paul II and Cardinal Martini of Milan to the former Swiss president Kurt Furgler and various others. I'm pleased that I was thus able to make a modest contribution to the international recognition of the independent state of Slovenia.

Since I retired four years ago, partly on medical grounds, I have not been involved in public affairs. However, I constantly follow events with great interest. I am delighted by all the successes, especially in the international arena. I am however pained by the fact that political, cultural and economic events are not developing as I would like.

It is my sincere desire that we shall be able to continue our journey in the future with confidence and success. I wish every success to all responsible politicians and media. I would like to thank everyone for their work, along with the wish for ever-greater success for the good of the young state of Slovenia.