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The EU has agreed to send a 1,800-member security force to Kosovo. Asked whether he would recognise Kosovo’s independence, Mr Rupel said: “We are ready to recognise the realities of the situation.”

Mr Rupel added that Slovenia wanted to ratify the EU’s new reform treaty as soon as possible and do everything it could to help other countries. Gordon Brown has promised a lengthy ratification process through Parliament in the Spring while the Irish Republic will hold the only referendum, possibly in May. Mr Rupel said: “We will strive for this treaty to enter into force as soon as possible.”

Slovenia

Population 2,009,245

GDP $47.01 billion (£24m)

Area 20,273sq km (7,827sq m)

Independence June 25, 1991

Full embassies abroad 53

France

Population 63,713,926

GDP $1.9 trillion

Area 643,427 sq km

Independence AD843

Full embassies abroad 185

Sources: CIA World Factbook; www.slovenia.info; French Embassy in the US

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