EMBASSY’S NEWSLETTER January 7, 2011

Editorial Dear readers: When we look back at the passing year, we feel it was an honor to provide you with information about our work here at the Embassy in Washington and the work of our colleagues at the General Consulates in Cleveland and New York; telling the success stories of Slovenian companies, athletes and scientists; and other news regarding Slovenia in general. We feel that your feedback is very important, so we would like to sincerely thank you for your past and future input, in order to continue to better ourselves and provide you with an ever improving service. • EDITORIAL As you know, 2011 will mark the 20th anniversary of • INTERVIEW WITH Mr. Slovenian independence. In celebration of this important KOGOVSEK milestone, the Embassy will be organizing events and activities • PLEBISCITE RESULTS throughout the year, starting with a fresh image of our newsletter CELEBRATION and we would like you to participate in the celebration of this • HOME COMING extraordinary event. We invite you to send short (not more • BEST PICTURE than 350 words) reminiscences about how you experienced, CONTEST wherever you were, the Slovenian declaration of independence • WINTER SCHOOL OF and the process of gaining Slovenian statehood. We will share SLOVENE LANGUAGE some of the stories in our weekly Newsletter and some of • BETONTANC GROUP them will be published on the official website dedicated to the anniversary (www.twenty.si). Please, send us your contributions STARTING US TOUR to [email protected], with the subject title My experience of Slovenian • NEW YEARS EVE independence. CELEBRATIONS We will also publish, on a monthly basis, a series of interviews with Slovenian Americans who were actively involved in fighting for Slovenia’s independence and its recognition by the U.S. Today, we are presenting the first of thirteen interviews: the one with the Slovenian Honorary Consul Ray Kogovšek. The plebiscite on Slovenian independence is one of monumental importance. It is a bright moment in Slovenian history, when, as never before or after, we were united everywhere to fulfill the dream of generations of Slovenians. Independence and Unity are timeless values. Embassy of Slovenia 2410 California Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20008, USA T: +1202 386 66 01 www.washington.embassy.si January 7, 2011 Many past struggles of Slovenians have been Independence seemed, for the first time in dedicated to expressing our deeply rooted history, almost inevitable. And the unity wish for independence and trying to find a expressed at the polls gave that goal the path to unity. legitimacy it needed to succeed. But 20 years ago, our striving was given The power of such collective effort and a clear voice and those two timeless values belief in a common goal still stirs the feelings came to fruition with the expressed will to of hope and faith in goodness of mankind. forge our own, independent and sovereign We sincerely hope they remain in our hearts state. in the year 2011.

Interview series: Ray Kogovšek

Mr. Ray Kogovsek is a native of Pueblo, whatever they could to stop this bloodshed in CO, and Slovenian Honorary Consul in the Balkans. My efforts were therefore directed Colorado. From 1979 to 1985, Mr. towards the members of the Senate and the Kogovsek served three terms in the U.S. members of the House of Representatives. I House of Representatives. He was one was trying to convince them to get involved, of most active proponents of Slovenian to write to the president so that we get some independence in the US. kind of attention to talk about the problem. What are your memories of the year 1991? I remember specifically how excited I was as well as other Slovenians in the United States. We were waiting to see if we could in fact be an independent country. We were hoping that it would happen soon; however, we didn’t think that it would come as quickly as it did. I myself was very happy with the outcome, there was minimal bloodshed, and everything was running smoothly, even though there were some people who were not too pleased with our new independence. It was a very exciting time for Slovenians everywhere, but especially in the United States and in Colorado. What was your role in the action for independence? In those years, I would contact certain U.S. senators and would have them make a speech on the floor of the Senate to talk about the terrible things that were happening in the former Yugoslavia. It was important for the American people to understand why it made Mr. Ray Kogovsek at the Embassy sense for the United States to somehow do

January 7, 2011 2 What do you think that the country gained How do you see Slovenia in 20 years from from being independent? now? Being an independent country was very I see how hardworking the Slovenian important at the time. We were able to break government is and how industrious the away from the restrictive tax policy that was people are. That is the way I see us being Belgrade’s, which was necessary. Slovenia was very successful. It’s hard to predict what the free to establish a market economy, which was economy of this world is going to look like harder when Slovenia was on its own, but I in 20 years’ time. But if anybody can survive think that hard work really does pay off. And -- not merely survive but thrive -- it would be Slovenia is a great example of that. a hardworking country like Slovenia. I believe What is in your opinion Slovenia’s major the future for Slovenia lies in tourism. We achievement in these past 20 years? are now being discovered by tourists, who I was never as proud in my life as when have realized just how beautiful Slovenia Slovenia was the first new member state to really is and how friendly the Slovenians are. preside over the EU. Our presidency was a I think tourism will be -- or will continue proof of respect that Slovenia has gained in its to be -- one of our larger industries. As far short existence. We gained the respectability as computerization and IT are concerned, I from not only other European countries but think we will become one of the leaders in from the government of the United States. this sector. Suddenly, everyone was looking at Slovenia. It What is your job as an honorary consul of was a difficult presidency, but we showed the Slovenia? How do you promote Slovenia? world that we are capable of leading the EU. I’m around Colorado’s businessmen Other countries started to treat as equals, no and what I try to do is to make sure that they matter how small we are. know that they can and should do business in Slovenia. I see my job as a “salesman for Slovenia”. As an honorary consul, it’s my duty to make sure that people know about Slovenia. We have a Slovenian contingent in Denver, Pueblo, Walsenburg, Trinidad, and Leadville. In Colorado, we have these fraternal organizations, like KSKJ and SNPJ. Back in the day, it was my grandmother who was responsible for arranging weekly meetings of Slovenians living in the area. These organizations provided them with insurance protection, gave them a place to meet and hang out, to exchange their experience and honor their heritage. So, I guess a part of being an honorary consul is to assure that Slovenians still get together and do things our parents and grandparents did. I am here to make sure our heritage is not forgotten. And I think the more often we can do that the better. EU flags

January 7, 2011 3 Plebiscite results celebration On the 26th of December, we celebrated The solemn proclamation of Slovenia’s Independence and Unity Day, on which we independence and sovereignty however commemorated the proclamation of the occured on June 25th 1991. In light of this, the independence plebiscite results announced 20 year 2011 is a special one for Slovenes at home years ago. On December 23rd 1990, 93.2% and around the world celebrating Slovenia’s of eligible voters came to the polls, to declare 20th birthday. You can keep updated on any with a majority of 95%, that they wish to and all news regarding this years celebrations create their own, independent state. on the government sponsored website: Each year, a public celebration is held www.twenty.si in Ljubljana with the Prime minister as the main speaker. This year Borut Pahor said the plebiscite results should remain in our collective memory as an example of our maturity as a nation. He said we proclaimed our independence because we have the right to live as a free nation, while wishing the same freedom and success to others. Slovenian Parliament held a commemorative session on the same day, where Pavel Gantar, The Speaker of Parliament, said that the plebiscite results represented a point of no return that bound future generations as well as those tasked to fulfill the expressed Announcement of the results in the Assembly wish.

Invitation to the WELCOME HOME event Office of the Government of the You are invited to observe and Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad participate in the projects and visions of cordially invites all Slovenian organisations, Slovenians from around the world. This associations and societies, and all Slovenians is also the perfect excuse to come and get and friends of Slovenia to the WELCOME better acquainted with Slovenia. You can get HOME event, a Slovenian get-together, detailed information as it becomes available which will be held in Ljubljana on 1 July 2011. on these websites: The event will be held in the city www.slovenci.si or www.uszs.gov.si centre, with a presentation given by Slovenian associations, media and others; there will be For this occasion, the Slovenian Tourist Board performances by musical and theatre groups, has prepared all-season tour packages. You workshops, educational events and sports can get additional information by visiting activities. www.slovenia.info/homecoming

January 7, 2011 4 Photography competition Picture Slovenia

The competition entitled Picture second prize was awarded to the photograph Slovenia: 20 Years of Independence entitled Zadnji žarki (Last Rays) by Darko photography held from October 5 to Brenk, and the third to Jani Novak for Rezalec December 23, 2010 on the Picture Slovenia (Steel Cutter). web portal came to an end. In the photography During the photography competition, competition, 2,800 entries were submitted the web portal registered 160,000 visitors by 970 Slovenian amateur and professional from 57 countries, the majority hailing from photographers. Slovenia, Germany, Serbia, the United States, The panel of judges, composed of Canada, Luxembourg and Great Britain. renowned Slovenian photographers Arne The complete selection and awarded Hodalič, Tomo Jeseničnik, Borut Peterlin, photographs will be published at www. Primož Žižek and Polona Prešeren awarded pictureslovenia.si. There is still an opportunity the first prize to the photograph entitled for visitors to the web portal to vote for the Ribiča (Two Fishermen) by Robert Kruh. The best photograph by 20 January 2011.

Two Fishermen by Robert Kruh

January 7, 2011 5 17th Winter School of Slovene Language

Between 24 January and 4 February 2011 as much as possible in only two weeks all the Centre for Slovene as a Second/Foreign the while learning about Slovene culture and Language at the Faculty of Arts, University of society in various accompanying programmes. Ljubljana is organizing the 17th Winter School You can learn more on the following website: of Slovene Language. The intensive course of www.centerslo.net/l2.asp?L1_ID=1&L2_ Slovene is aimed at those that wish to learn ID=14&LANG=eng

Betontanc Ensemble Starting US Tour The Slovenian multimedia performance theatre-dance group founded in 1990 by ensemble Betontanc is coming to perform for theatre director Matjaž Pograjc, with which he audiences in the US for the sixth time since its develops and researches choreographical and inception, this time with a show titled Show physical forms of stage expression, employing Your Face! ideologically oriented themes – especially They will deliver a total of 13 from the world of urban adolescence. performances between 6 and 23 January. The He gathered together people of roughly the same age from different backgrounds – musicians, dancers, actors, costume and stage designers – and through years the group became the main Slovene theatre-dance sensation. The tour will start with three performances in the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis (as part of Out There 2011 festival that focuses on contemporary european theather), followed by two in the La Mama Theater of New York. The latter shows are part of the Under the Radar festival organized Betontanc group during their performance on stage by the renowned Pubic Theater. The Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago will host show is a piece about identity in a globalised the ensemble three times, while Betontanc’s world, put together in 2006 in collaboration tour will end with five performances in the with Latvian puppet theatre group Umka.lv. Redcat/Calarts theatre in Los Angeles. For Betontanc (”Concrete Dance”) is a more information visit: www.bunker.si/ eng/production/betontanc

January 7, 2011 6 New Years Eve celebrations in Slovenia

New Years Eve celebrations in Slovenia Ljubljana castle. Maribor was not far behind usualy involve large outdoor musical events with 20.000 people taking to the streets to in city centers around the country, with this listen to concerts on the main square called year being no different. There were public Trg Svobode. Celebrations were also held in celebrations organized in every major town, Koper, Celje, Nova Gorica and other cities. with large crouds in the two biggest cities. The first baby born in the year 2011 was It was reported 50.000 people joined in a hurry to catch the ongoing celebrations. musical guests on 5 different outdoor venues A baby girl, weighing at 2800 grams (6.1 lbs) across the city centre of Ljubljana. At was born in the city of Ptuj only 7 minutes midnight however, they all turned to the sky after midnight. to see the fireworks display launched from the

Ljubljana, Photo: Jurij Popov The team at the Slovenian Embassy in Washington wishes you a happy 2011, full of curiosity, courage, creativity, gratitude and compassion. Our gift to you will be 3.30 min of company with probably the best Slovenian artists at present: Perpetuum Jazzile. Enjoy the second most performed track ever recorded, titled Medley (which includes Golica, composed by brothers Avsenik) and performed by Perpetuum Jazzile at the Vocal Extravaganzza in Nov 2010 in Ljubljana. The real treat will be Perpetuums Jazzile US tour in summer 2011, which will include a venue in Washington DC, among others. Please enjoy: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjqUH0pvZ0U

The weekly Embassy’s 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], Editors: Maša Šiftar de Arzu, Neja Brglez

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