Slovenia to Vote on Leaving NATO

Slovenia's parliament speaker says the country will hold a referendum on withdrawing from NATO. Zoran Stevanovic made the announcement, stating his party had promised the public a vote. "We promised the people a referendum on the issue of leaving NATO," Stevanovic said. "We will hold this referendum." The announcement sets the stage for a major national debate. Slovenia joined the military alliance, known as NATO, in 2004. A member leaving NATO would be a historic and unprecedented event. No date was given for the proposed vote. The referendum process would require further parliamentary action before it could be scheduled.