The International Press Institute (IPI), the global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in over 120 countries, announces the staging of a high-level mission to the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, this week. The mission will be taking place on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 March, and follows a fact-finding mission conducted by IPI in November 2007.

The purpose of the mission is to meet with leading media professionals and high-ranking politicians in order to discuss a protracted standoff regarding the level of State influence exerted on the Slovenian media. An IPI fact-finding mission to Ljubljana in November 2007 convinced IPI that an independent commission would be necessary to thoroughly investigate the issue. IPI will be lobbying for the establishment of such an independent commission, if deemed necessary by the mission’s delegates.

The high-level mission will consist of a delegation headed by IPI Director David Dadge. The IPI delegation will meet with a variety of media workers, including respected journalists, editors and media experts, as well as with high-ranking politicians, including the Minister for Culture, Dr. Vasko Simoniti, the leader of the opposition LDS party, Ms. Katarina Kresal, the President of the Slovenian National Assembly, Mr. France Cukjati, and the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr. Danilo Türk.

The mission will end with a press conference to be held at the Grand Union Hotel, Miklošičeva 1, Ljubljana. The press conference will be held in the hotel’s Rose Room, on Thursday 20 March starting at 15.30. Registration to attend the press conference is not required, although reservations are recommended.

For reservations and further details please contact Colin Peters at the International Press Institute either on the number (+43)-1-512-9011-17, or on the mobile telephone number (+43)-650-842-9252.