PM Janša Defense Minister Slovenia Visits Hojs Visits Celebrates 20 Lemont, IL Colorado years in UN page 2 > page 3 > page 5 >
NEWSLETTER
MAY 25, 2012, VOLUME 8, NUMBER 21 Prime Minister Janša Takes Part in the NATO Summit in
Chicago Prime Minister Janez Janša with US President Barack Obama and NATO Secre tary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the NATO Summit in Chicago. Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša visited states, started on Sunday with a in Afghanistan, the building of the U.S., accompanied by three hour meeting of heads of forces, and the key capacities Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec state or government on ensuring needed to tackle the challenges of and Defense Minister Aleš security in the global economic the 21st century, and underlined Hojs, attending the two day crisis, which has trimmed the the importance of dialogue and NATO summit in Chicago, defense budgets of most countries. constructive cooperation with held on May 20 and 21, 2012. The member countries exchanged partners. The biggest NATO summit their views on the operations Prime Minister Janez so far, bringing together 57 carried out by the Alliance, Janša voiced the need for a representatives of 28 member particularly the ISAF mission stronger cooperation among
Embassy of Slovenia 2410 California Street, NW twitter.com/SLOembassyUSA Washington, D.C. 20008, USA T: +1 202 386 66 01 E: [email protected] facebook.com/SLOembassyUSA washington.embassy.si NATO members in light of the harsh economic situation. The prime minister stressed that NATO members should boost their cooperation in planning and projects such as the Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) project, in which 13 members, including Slovenia, will fi nance an airborne ground surveillance capability to lower the individual costs for security. The PM, moreover, noted used more effi ciently. According with Russia. He also voiced the that “smart defence” was a good to his offi ce, Janša stressed that need for continuing the open answer to the challenges of the anti missile defense was one of door policy, in line with which time and that defense priorities the alliance’s key capabilities the alliance should accept as should be identifi ed and the and that NATO would have to members the countries of the money earmarked for defense build a strategic partnership Western Balkans. VISIT Prime Minister Janša Visits Slovenian Community in Lemont Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša visited members of the Slovenian community in Lemont, IL, on Saturday, May 19, prior to taking part in the two day NATO Summit in Chicago, where he was accompanied by Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec, Defense Minister Aleš Hojs and Ambassador of Slovenia to the U.S. Roman Kirn. In Lemont, southwest of Chicago, he was received by Slovenia’s Consul General in Cleveland Jurček Žmauc and the Honorary Consul for Illinois, Janez Vidmar, PM Janez Janša with the Honorary Consul for Illinois, Janez Vidmar on his left as well as the President of the and the President of the Slovenian Cultural Center, Martin Hozjan on his right. Slovenian Cultural Center, Martin At the back: Slovenia’s Consul General in Cleveland Jurček Žmauc. Hozjan, and warmly greeted by connection with the Slovenian congratulated the community an assembly of over 250 people. Franciscan Fathers, on whose on its success in maintaining the The reception began by property the SCC was built. Mr. connections with Slovenia and, men’s choir Zbor Špendov singing Hozjan made it a point to thank the most importantly, thanked for all the Slovenian national anthem. PM for all the help the Slovenian of the work the community did Martin Hozjan spoke about the Government has provided in 20 years ago in helping Slovenia meaning of the SCC in the lives helping maintain the Slovenian establish itself as a free and of the Slovenian Community in Language School in Lemont. independent country. He noted Northern Illnois and its close Prime Minister Janša that it was Slovenian communities MAY 25, 2012, PAGE 2 in the U.S. like the one in Lemont that helped change the minds of U.S. policy makers regarding the events that were then unfolding in the former Yugoslavia. These addresses were followed by a short musical program featuring the Slomšek Slovenian School, and a duet by Christina and Martin Nyberg, who impressed all with their performance. Afterwards, Martin Hozjan presented the PM with a memorial book of the 100th anniversary of the Slovenian Catholic Parish of St. Stephen in Chicago, and a memorial book of the opening of the SCC. In addition his visit to the Slovenian diaspora, PM Janša PM Janša was greeted by the children of Slomšek Slovenian School. also met with representatives of the Slovenian American Business Association. VISIT Minister of Defense Hojs Visits Colorado After attending the NATO Summit in Chicago, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr. Aleš Hojs; the Chief of the General Staff of the Slovenian Armed Forces, Brig. Gen. Dobran Božič; the Slovenian Ambassador to the U.S., Roman Kirn; and Slovenian Defense Attaché to the U.S.,Col. Ladislav Graber, visited the State of Colorado on May 22 and 23, 2012. In the framework of State Partnership Program, Colorado National Guard (CNG) is a partnership unit of Slovenian Armed Forces (SV). The cooperation between the two began in 1993, shortly after Slovenia From left: Governor of the State of Colorado and Commander in Chief of gained its independence in 1991. At Colorado National Guard, Mr. John Hickenlooper, Minister of Defense of the fi rst, it was based on the Mill to Mill Republic of Slovenia, Mr. Aleš Hojs and Slovenian Ambassador to the U.S., program, but, later on, the CNG Roman Kirn. and SV began to work together in other fi elds where they can share working closely on exercise and of OMLT (Operational Mentor and their experience and knowledge. training of members of SV and Liaison Team) in Afghanistan. Colorado National Guard and the CNG in Colorado and Slovenia for Minister Hojs visited Slovenian Armed Forces are also the operations and management the U.S. Northern Command –
MAY 25, 2012, PAGE 3 President of the U.S. Barack Obama congratulating Slovenian Armed Forces student Matija Zupančič cadets at the commencement ceremony. was one of the cadets that graduated from the Academy.
USNORTHCOM where he was was a wonderful opportunity to currently been cooperating in the welcomed by its commander, Gen. share their views on the nineteen Operational Liaison Team Mission Charles Jacoby. The Slovenian years long relationship and to (OMLT4) since mid April 2012. delegation was briefed on the discuss further activities between The photos that show powerful history of the Command, and its the Army and the Guard. Minister images of ordinary everyday main mission. Hojs also met with Major General life in Afghanistan were prior on While meeting with Michael Edwards, who briefed him display at the Slovenian Embassy the Governor of the State of on the structure of the National in Washington, D.C. Colorado and Commander in Guard both within the State of Minister Hojs and the Chief of Colorado National Guard, Colorado and on international Slovenian delegation also Mr. John Hickenlooper, Minister missions abroad. attended the commencement Hojs expressed his thanks for While in Colorado, Minister ceremony for the 54th generation cooperation in the military area. Hojs opened a photo exhibition by of cadets at the United States In the past 19 years, the CNG and Slovenian freelance photographer Air Force Academy in Colorado SV have developed very strong Manca Juvan entitled “Afganistan: Springs. Slovenian Armed Forces professional and personal ties. (Un)ordinary lives”. In Afghanistan, student Matija Zupančič was one The minister and the governor Colorado National Guard members of the cadets that graduated from both agreed that their meeting and Slovenian Armed Forces have the Academy.
Major General Michael Edwards at the opening of a photo Honorary Consul Lucky Vidmar’s remarks at the Rotunda of exhibition by Slovenian photographer Manca Juvan enti the Colorado State Capitol. The visit of the delegation to tled “Afganistan: (Un)ordinary lives”. Denver was organized with his kind help.
MAY 25, 2012, PAGE 4 ANNIVERSARY Slovenia Celebrates 20 Years of Membership in the UN
On May 22, 2012, Slovenia celebrated 20 years of its membership in the United Nations Organization. The inclusion of a small nation in the worldwide organization formally ended the process of gaining independence and Slovenia’s path towards being an equal member of the international community. Becoming a member of the UN, marked the fi nal step in the efforts to win recognition on the international stage. As we mark this important anniversary, we look back President of the Republic of Slovenia Dr. Danilo Türk speaking at the sympo on two decades of Slovenia’s sium organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized on the occasion successes. Slovenia has been of the 20th anniversary of Slovenian membership in the UN. a model to nations aspiring to build peaceful, democratic and prosperous societies. multilaterism. Slovenia has Assistance in 1998, etc. Slovenia Slovenia has gained respect in proved its commitment through has enhanced its global role by the global community and has collaboration in peacekeeping focusing on human rights, the been a strong and dedicated operations, active roles in various rights of children, development contributor to advancing the UN bodies, establishment of issues, the environment, health work of the UN. Slovenia The International Trust Fund care, and cultural cooperation. has believed very strongly in for Demining and Mine Victims The fi rst Slovenian Permanent Representative to the United Nations was today’s President of Slovenia Dr. Danilo Türk. Since then, Slovenia was elected as a member of Security Council for the period 1998– 1999. That was a great success for a new state, although last year Slovenia unsuccessfully tried to repeat it. Mr. Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the UN, later appointed Dr. Türk as Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs. The second Slovenia’s UN representative was Dr. Ernest Petrič, who was later elected in the UN General Assembly as a member of the UN The symposium was opened by Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec. International Law Commission.
MAY 25, 2012, PAGE 5 Petrič was succeeded by today’s ambassador in Washington Roman Kirn, who also became one of the vicepresidents of the UN General Assembly. Today, the Slovenian Mission to the UN is led by Sanja Štiglic. The anniversary was marked by a number of events. In New York, Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina, who were admitted to the UN on the same day, marked the anniversary of this milestone with a joint reception and an exhibition at the UN headquarters. The exhibition includes pictures presenting natural beauties from all three countries as well as Slovenia’s, Croatia’s, and UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon with Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations Sanja Štiglic adimiring photos portraying the natural beauties Bosnia Herzegovina’s active of Slovenia at the event marking the 20th anniversary at the UN headquarters. participation in the UN, such as their membership in the Security Council, peacekeeping opportunity for refl ection on of view: practical work, and operations, and other. More Slovenia’s position in the world, theoretical considerations. than 200 people participated its goals, foreign policy priorities, Panelists discussed Slovenia’s in the event, most of them and practical questions of past work and successes in member of the diplomatic corps. Slovenian diplomacy. the UN, and historical role that There were also many members There was also a Slovenian diplomats played in of the UN Secretariate including roundtable attended by former various UN working bodies, the President of the General Foreign Minister Dr. Dimitrij but they also focused their Assembly al Nasser and the UN Rupel; professor at the Faculty attention on the future and the Secretary General Ban Ki moon, of Social Sciences at the role of Slovenia in this unique who delivered a speech. University of Ljubljana Dr. worldwide organization with a On the occasion of the Milan Brglez; State Secretary universal character. 20th anniversary of Slovenia’s at the Foreign Ministry Dr. Božo There were many other membership in the UN, the Cerar; Dr. Andrej Rahten from events marking this special Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Research Center of the anniversary, such as a special organized in Ljubljana a Slovenian Academy of Sciences session of the parliamentary symposium on the topic »From and Arts; and the Head of the Foreign Policy Committee, International Recognition to Human Rights Department at an Open Day at the Foreign Active Membership«. The the Foreign Ministry and former Ministry, and a presentation symposium was opened by Head of the Offi ce of the UN High of a new elementary school Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec, Commissioner for Human Rights textbook on the role of the and Slovenian President Dr. in the Occupied Palestinian United Nations. This book is a Danilo Türk formally opened the Territories in Ramallah, Eva fi rst Slovenian school textbook discussion of past achievements Tomič. about the UN. It is designed for and future challenges of A very interesting debate children in their fi nal years in Slovenian foreign policy and was concentrated on relations elementary schools, so they can diplomacy. He emphasized between Slovenia and the get to know the work of the UN that this anniversary is a good UN from two different points and its principles and goals.
MAY 25, 2012, PAGE 6 CULTURE Small Nations’ Poetry Reading Representatives from the embassies of 10 countries, including Ondina Blokar Drobič, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Slovenian Embassy, gathered at Katzen Center at the American University in Washington on Wednesday, May 23, to read poetry from their countries for the 7th Small Nations’ Poetry Reading. The following countries participated with Slovenia: Austria, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Cyrpus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, and Monaco. The topic of this year’s reading was comedy. Opening remarks were given by Dr. Naomi Baron, Opening remarks by Dr. Naomi Baron. Executive Director of the Center opened the fi rst Small Nations English translation. The poet, for Teaching, Research and Poetry Reading back in 2003. who was honored in 1973 by Learning at the Department of Slovenia’s DCM, Blokar the Prešeren Foundation Prize/ Language and Foreign Studies Drobič, read a poem by Tomaž National Book Award, was in at the American University, Šalamun titled Homage to the 1960s the leading fi gure of followed by an introduction of the Hat Uncle Guido and Eliot Slovenian poetical avant garde. Ambassador of Lichtenstein, (Homage kapi stricu Gvidu in He has published extensively Claudia Fritsche, who also had Eliotu) in Slovenian and its since his fi rst collection, Poker, and the poem appeared in it in 1966. Word play, free form, macaronic language (Slovene, English, Spanish all mixed together) characterize his poems that are comic and political. Many of his books have been translated into foreign languages, including English. The Small Nations’ Poetry Night was followed by a reception provided by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, where wines of the participating countries also were served. Guests also had a great opportunity to learn about each nation by visiting country tables Ambassadors and DCMs of the participating countries. and to talk to representatives from various embassies. MAY 25, 2012, PAGE 7 TOURISM Radovljica Radol’ca lies in a favorable location between the Karavanke mountains and the Julian Alps in the northwest of Slovenia., just a few miles from the world famous Bled, and also less than one hour’s drive from Slovenia’s main airport, the Jože Pučnik airport. Radol’ca encompasses the towns of Radovljica and Lesce together with the nearby villages of Begunje and Kropa. The area is a charming, natural, traditional, and an active tourist destination. Radovljica’s Old Town is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Slovenia Radovljica’s Old Town. and features authentically preserved architecture as well The imposing Radovljica Europe in terms of its contents as museums, galleries, and Mansion dominates as much as and coverage. It boasts the other attractions. The town’s one third of the main square largest exhibited collection of development began in the and, featuring a Baroque façade, painted beehive panels, which thirteenth century, reaching its stucco work portraits and are a curiosity from the world of climax in the sixteenth century, grotesque masks, is, without Slovene folk art. Visitors can also and its former design, with doubt, the crowning jewel of admire the history of beekeeping administrative buildings on one Radovljica’s architecture. The in Slovenia and observe a real side of the old town square and mansion houses the world life beehive. crafts and trade buildings on the renowned Museum of Apiculture, Of particular note is the other, can still be seen today. which is unique in Slovenia and Šivec House, with its façade dominated by a fresco portraying the Good Samaritan – one of the best preserved examples of 16th century Slovene town architecture. An active gingerbread shop and museum occupies the cellar of the Lectar House, where one can view a demonstration of the traditional production of gingerbread hearts. Standing at the far end of the Old Town is the church of St. Peter, a typical example of a Gothic three nave town church. Next to the church is a Gothic tavern, another speciality of Radovljica’s Old Town. Gingerbread shop in the Lectar House.
MAY 25, 2012, PAGE 8 most beautiful golf courses in Central Europe. Two miles from Radovljica lies the village of Begunje, the birthplace of the musician Slavko Avsenik and of Slovene popular folk music. It is also home to one of the most innovative sports equipment manufacturers, Elan. The village of Kropa, the home of Slovene iron forging, nestles in a narrow valley not far from Radovljica. With its authentic and unique iron ill owners’ architecture, roaring waters, preserved technical The diversity of the natural and much more. heritage, and stories of the environment around Radol’ca On the way from impoverished lives led by the iron offers endless opportunities for Radovljica to Bled, lies the town forgers, it is certainly well worth recreational activities in unspoilt of Lesce, known for its sports a visit. The unique production of surroundings: choose among airfi eld, the award winning hand forged wrought ironwork is cycling, hiking, horse riding, Šobec campsite and Bled golf Kropa’s raison d’être, and these golfi ng, rafting on the Sava river, course, said to be one of the traditions still continue today. BUSINESS Foreign Direct Investment Summit 2012 The biggest conference Given the economic institutions. The outcome of on foreign direct investment crisis and fi nancial instability, either of the previous two in Slovenia, the »FDI Summit small and open countries, such conferences, held in 2010 and 2012«, will be held in Ljubljana on as Slovenia, are becoming 2011, was the Conclusion Paper, September 20 and 21 of this year. more intensively engaged in which provided practical advice To ensure the highest standards providing adequate resources on economic policy guidelines. for the conference, the main for urgent investment in private This year’s conference will organizer, The Slovenian Times, and public sectors. Therefore, focus on defi ning and presenting created a program partnership the aim of the conference is to actual projects that are feasible, with the University of Ljubljana address foreign investment, its within the next few years, in Faculty of Economics. This year’s trends and changing economic both the public and the private improvement has been the conditions and its importance sector. An important aspect of the establishment of a professional in the formulation of economic conference will be the presentation steering committee comprising strategies, especially Slovenia’s of Slovenia’s new strategy for the experts such as Christoff Droste, new development strategy. promotion of foreign investment Slovenian manager of the Year The conference effectively and the creation of conditions 2011 and Managing Director of links potential investors, state for investment, and its capital Hella Saturnus; Thierry Villard, sector entities, ministries, investment management strategy Managing Director, Goodyear state enterprises, professional in terms of the state’s withdrawal Dunlop Central & South East and educational institutions, from the nonstrategic sectors Europe; and Dušan Mramor, domestic and foreign owned of the economy. More about the Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of private companies, international agenda and the conference itself Economics. corporations, and fi nancial can be found at www.fdi.si.
MAY 25, 2012, PAGE 9 CONSULAR AFFAIRS Consular Hours in San Francisco
The consular offi cer from the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Washington, DC will be holding consular hours and providing consular services (authentications, certifi cations, etc.) in San Francisco on June 8, 2012, from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm at the premises of the Honorary Consulate of Slovenia in San Francisco at the address: 354 Pine Street, Third Floor, applications for ordinary please send an e mail to the San Francisco, CA 94104 passports for Slovenian citizens embassy at [email protected] with Phone: 1(415) 989 1800 of 12 years of age and above, the information on the consular Due to regulations and technical applications for visas and service requested. The embassy limitations the following services residence permits. will give you further information will NOT be provided during the To schedule an on the documentation you have consular hours in San Francisco: appointment on June 8, to bring to the appointment. TO DO LIST
Eurovision Song Contest 2012 The EUNIC Washington DC Cluster invites you to party with us to celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest 2012. When: May 26, 2012 from 2:00 to 7:00 pm Where: Embassy of Austria Washington, 3524 International Court, NW, Washington, DC, 20008 3027; Red Metro: Van Ness UDC More information and tickets: http://www.facebook.com/events/231033080330797/ or https://www.formstack.com/forms/?1207970 1PuDrlEz8v
Afghanistan: (Un)Ordinary Lives in Denver, CO The photographs, taken by Manca Juvan, a young journalist from Slovenia, depict the scenes from the day to day life of the Afghani people, beyond what is seen in the news headlines. When: May 22 June 1, 2012 Where: Rotunda of the Colorado State Capitol, 200 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80203 More information on the exhibition: www.unordinarylives.com
Lučka Koščak’s Angels Exhibition “The sculpture of Lučka Koščak is defi nitely something special inside the Slovenian Art space (and in general), because we can’t defi ne it within the context of either traditional or even less of modernistic or postmodernistic sculpture… The peace that the sculptures express is not meant to be for them, but for us. The calmness that they shine with is not the calmness of timelessness, but the calmness of this very moment that we live in…” (Mojca Grmek, art critic) Where: Embassy of Slovenia, 2410 California Street, NW, Washington, DC When: Ongoing June 16, 2012
The weekly Embassy Newsletter, produced by the Embassy of Slovenia in Washington, is available on: www.washington.embassy.si. Send us your comments or request for a subscription on: [email protected], Editor: Nuška Zakrajšek
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