Austria wants to justify ousting Slovenia from Schengen says Slovenian MP

In response to allegation of training of Salafists in Slovenia,MP Branko Grims emphasized that Slovenia is a safe country, adding that article published were an excuse for Austria to justify closing its borders.

The Austrian newspaper,Die Presse reported in January 2016 that fighters of the radical Sunni group ,Islamic State had also trained in Slovenia. The media then published more reports, claiming that in April 2014 the most radical Slovenian Muslims met up with Salafists from Vienna and Graz at a sports centre called Korant, which is located at Dol near Ljubljana.

Grims presides the Intelligence and Security Committee and he pointed out after its closed session on 29th January that the happening surrounding this event has been thoroughly analysed. The findings conclude that Slovenian intelligence services had received timely information from their Austrian counterparts.

Grims: Closed borders unpleasant for Austrians, too

"The event, which took place a year and a half ago, was old news until now, with several extensive news articles being published recently and unfortunately also fairly uncritical recaps in Slovenia. Slovenia is safe. The most probable reason why this was published – because Austria is ousting Slovenia from Schengen by closing the border and thus blocking free movement across the border. Namely, crossing the border outside of official border crossings may be sanctioned with draconic punishments, and also since a closed border is unpleasant news for Austrian citizens, too," added Grims in a critical response to Austria’s measures.

In conclusion Grims stated that Slovenia cooperates with its neighbouring countries as well as other countries and intelligence services in an appropriate manner and nonstop, ensuring the exchange of information.

RTV SLOVENIA