lie Australian Slovenian Review

Autumn 1995 Volume 2 Issue 2 Inside Why Relations between Italy and Slovenia are Strained Rapotec the Could Slovenia lose it's precious 42km of coastline? Artist Part II A frosty atmosphere has been evident in European • The Italians have, despite their small number, a diplomatic circles lately, particularly between the Italians guaranteed seat in the National Assembly of the and the Slovenians. There has been much coveragein Republic of Slovenia and in local assembles and Slovenian and our local ethnic media, and much municipalities. The Italians choose from among their discussion amongst our older generation about the number at special elections, at the same time voting mi deteriorating relations between these two neighbouring for representatives of political parties who may also countries. be members of the Italian minority.

What is the story behind this saga ? Its origins go back in • They have a right to use their native language in history to before the First World War and involve the public administration and judicial bodies, and they Italian and Slovenian ethnic minorities living in each have the right to education in Italian. They have their country and how the respective governments are treating own state funded nursery, primary and secondary them. schools conducted in Italian. The curricula ofthese schools differ from those of ordinary schools in that What is irritating Slovenia is that Italy is forcingthese they pay special attention to the culture history and bilateral issues onto the multilateral arena, blocking geography of their native country in order to maintain Slovenia's entry into the European Union until they are their ethnic identity. Full bilingualism in public resolved (in Italy's favour of course). applies in the three coastal municipalities in which they reside, ie public signs, public announcements etc are always bilingual. The minorities in Slovenia and Italy. • The Italian minority has its own cultural institutions, The Italian minority in Slovenia today is a remnent of a some of which are shared by Italians in Slovenia and Structure of much larger Italian population which lived indigenously Croatia. The community has its own radio and Slovenian on the Istrian peninsula. A most recent census, carried newspapers, while most of the programming on TV ** Parliament out in 1991 established that Sloveniahas a populationof Koper is in Italian. 1,965,986 of which 87.8% are Slovenian. Two significant indigenousethnic minorities live in Slovenia: Hungarian The Italian government has no complaintsregarding the (numbering 8,503 or 0.43% of the population) and Italian legal status of its minorities in Slovenia. It does, however (3,064 or 0.16% of the population). The Italians live in havecertain complaints concerning the problemsthat three coastal municipalities of Koper, Izola and Piran. have arisen since the emergence of Slovenia and Croatia as independent states, bisecting the Italianminorityin Slovenian The Slovenian Constitution adopted in 1992 guarantees Istria with a national border. While the Slovenian specialrights to members of the Italian and Hungarian Easter government shows understanding for the difficulties minorities living indigenouslyin Slovenia. Several caused by the new state border, it maintains that it cannot Traditions international monitoring missions have already confirmed take responsibility for the Italian minority in another that ethnic or national minorities in Slovenia are country. It has, in agreement with the Croatian protected better than the international standards demand: authorities, continued to finance certain institutions ofthe Italianminoritynow locatedon Croatianterritory. (Continued on page 3) Page 2

'Editorial/Writing Irene Stariha DorothyKdbal Mia1Smith RobertPecovnik PaulLukezic . .,Milena Godec AS*L i«m ""' \johnKern '!'' *•JudeBavcar (EditoriaC Sylvia Kuznik

Yes, we have survived the "silly season"! However it's not far enough away for us to iMarketing/Public Relations have forgottenour 'destined to fail' New Years Eve resolutions. I read somewhere that Robert Suber 1995 was the Year ofTolerance, so my resolution was to be more tolerant ofothers IanMakovec (especiallymy family). Try as I did, I foundthat it was all too hard - especially when i JudeBavcar they did verylittle to make it easy! One ofthe A.S.R. team said I had no chancewith the •*"!'" 'if'..' fc,n•• JosieModriiandid i •, i,!;,.,,, resolution I had chosen -1 wonder what he meant by that?! I hope your resolutions have ™ MarkStarihcf1 '• -r.lJ • lasted longer than mine. If by chance one ofthem was to join the A.S.R. team or to contribute in somewayto the publication, then now^sthe time to do something about it Production CirilKosorok Henry Stariha Resolutionsin most casesrequireus to make change. This is no easy task. Many people JohnKobal findbig changes to be stressful, threatening and generally a frightening experience. After the painhowever, the rewards areoften many. There is talk in the wind that our ' EditorialConsuttant traditionally divided Slovenian Communityin Sydney is considering change that would OlgaLah enableit to unite. Inthe pastAustralianSlovenians in Sydney have felt obligated to attend onlyoneof the two clubs(orindeedneither)so as to remain politically correct. • ,^'1,'' Administration i'1' ' RenataSusanj^'[ "'">' Ideologies, opinions, andpractices of the clubs varied to sucha degree that it was difficultto be loyal to both. Thishas leadto a decline in patronage of both clubs,with The Australian Slovenian Review is a non the youthnotwishing to be caught in the politics, andthe oldergeneration tiringof it. profit venture, which aims to publish ! These differences between the clubs seem to be narrowing and there now seems to be an quarterly. Production'and distribution costs atmosphere of peaceful coexistence. are fundedby sponsorship and advertising.

i A number ofmembers from both clubs are rumoured to be ofthe opinion, that this The ASRis not a platform for any particular peaceful coexistence is not enough to ensurethe future ofeither ofthem. There seems to interestgroupand does not representany be a willingnessto consider a mergerofthe two. This is in its very earlystages, and the group, ororganisation withinthe Slovenian finer details ofhow this could be achieved are not yet clear. Many strategies need to be community. developed andmuch discussion needsto be enteredinto. We arenot surehow the numbersgameis being played, norwhat time frame is being considered for such moves. A.S.R will keep ourreadersinformed ofany developments as they occur, and urges The ASRteam believe matthere should be a readers that may be interestedin these developments, to attend meetings held by the forum available to inform and discuss issues clubs. This is indeed a mammoth change and we hope it will be a smooth process and that arelofinterest to first and second generation Australians with a Slovenian not too wearing on those who put much voluntarytime and effort into keeping ourculture heritage. alive through the work ofthe clubs. I hope youall found the calendar sent out in ourlast issue useful. We-nowhave our Articlesfor publications aremost welcome. sights setonanother project. Many of ouradvertisers report thatthey are receiving work They may be presented handwritten,typed or from A.S.R. readers, sonowwe arehoping to publishthe firstAustralian Slovenian preferrably ona MS-DOS format floppy disk. TradesDirectory. As it is shown,youarewilling to supportAustralian Made by Articles can be sentto; Slovenian hands, we will make it easier foryou. Trades people are invited to supply . ASR, P,O,.BoxKL806 detailsoftheirtrade(for a small fee), andit will be publishedin a (probably smallto KingslLangley 2147 beginwith)booklet thatpeople will be ableto keep for future reference. If youhavea tradeor something to sell, don't miss out on this opportunity! or faxed to: (02) 674 4583 Inthis issue,we coverthe subjectthat seems to be topicalon the Sloveniannews broadcasts on a regular basis- the relationship between Slovenia and its closest Sponsorship or advertisingenquiries should neighbour Italy. You will seethatthe relationship is verymuch all take andno giveon be directed to:

i Italy's part. We also look atEaster Traditions and atStanislav Rapotec - buthighlight his Robert Suber on (02) 829 1303 military career. Finally, some ofyou will notice that wehave started using C, § and 2 onSlovenian wordsused in this issue (see page9). We are very happy to say that the problemswe Ifyou are interested in joining our team or have had in the pastwith Microsoft Publisher have finally been ironedout. findingout more about the ASR please contact us at the above address or Fax. Anyway I'm runningout ofroom, so ... goodreading.... and remember, pass us on to a friend! Page 3

cleansing" against the Slovenians. Property was seized, people Strained relations between were politically persecutedand a largenumber were deported to concentrationcamps in central Italy or on distant islands, including Slovenia and Italy hundreds of priests. All surnames and names of villages were italianised, and the speaking of Slovenian in public was strictly (Continued from page 1) prohibited as were inscriptions on tombstones written in Moreover, Slovenian financial support of the Italian minorityhas Slovenian. More than 400 primary schools, 3 high schools and 373 continued at the same level, despite the fact that the majority of educational and cultural associations, and numerous newspapers the community now live in Croatia (numbering some 26,000). and other organisations (including banks) were dissolved. In one The Slovenian minority in Italy numbers approximately 90,000 particular period between 1920-1921 Italian fascist "shock troops" and live in the border region of Friuli - Venezia Guilia. There is no burnt down the majority of Slovenian cultural centres in the specificlaw providing for the protection of the Slovenian minority provinces of Gorizia and Trieste. at national level, its legal status and the level of protection varies considerably in the three provinces, and even from one local Even greater damage was sustained when Italy occupied a greater community to the next, hi the province of Udine for example, the part of present Slovenia during World War II. The occupation Slovenian minority is not even officially recognised. Official lasted for two and a halfyears and resulted in: documents mention Slovenians as "people ofSlavic descent" and their languageas "different from Italian". The status of protection • 5,851 deaths; and civil rights of a minority in this region are far below 15,296 deportations to concentration camps; international standards. 319,435 persons being deprived of liberty by imprisonment, forced labour etc.; As early as 1976, the Italian Parliament assumed the obligation of 31,121 buildings ruined or damaged; adoptinga global protection law for the Slovenian minority, which 1,157,636 cubic metres oftimber cut and removed. would guarantee equal status in comparison with the French and German minorities to the north ofItaly, but this obligation has Reparations for the above damage caused by Italy was assessed at remained unfulfilled for 18 years and the reasons for this are still $ 125 million U.S. by the 1947 Paris Peace Treaty. This treaty and to be explained. the 1954 London Memorandum ofUnderstanding fixed the present border between Italy and Slovenia. It also established the so- Financial and political pressures also threaten the Slovenian called A Zone and B Zone; A Zone belonged to Italy and consisted minority in Italy. Last year the Italian government reduced the of Trieste and the surrounding areas; Zone B belonged to the then share ofthe financial resources earmarked for the activities ofthe Yugoslavia and consisted of the present Slovenian coastal Slovenian minority from 8 Billion Lire to 6 Billion, explaining that communities and Croatian areas of Novigrad, Buje and Umag. The this was necessary as a budgetary measure. Memorandum allowed the people from these areas to move freely from one zone to the next, and allowed them to acquire Italian and Yugoslav citizenship as they wished. Their property would be What happened between Italy and Slovenia after 1918 ? protected under the law. Despite the fact that inhabitants were free to make their own decision, Italy still viewed the people who Slovenia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (which moved to Italy as "refugees", and it has been argued that Italy stretched across central and part of Eastern Europe) until it was undertook a campaign of propaganda to incite the 20,000 residents defeated in the First World War. Italy, joining the victorious allies to leave Yugoslavia and accept Italian citizenship. towards the end of the war, gained substantial territory as a result ofthe Rapallo Treaty. These territories included the coastal area of In 1975, the Osimo Agreement finally confirmed the border Slovenia, Istria, a part of Dalmatia and the islands. The Italians between Italy and the then Yugoslavia as indisputable. In the 1983 ruled over this territory between 1918 and 1943. In this time, the Rome Treaty, both countries agreed on the indemnity for the Italians undertook a deliberate campaign of terror and "ethnic property of residents of Zone B who had opted to move to Zone A. This indemnity did not apply to property which was nationalised or sold. To compensate for all property which was nationalised, it was agreed that an amount of $ 110 million U.S. should be paid by Yugoslavia to Italy, starting in 1990 in 13 instalments. The first two instalments of $16,923,046 US. have been paid by the former Yugoslavia, and remainder is to be paid by the Republic of Slovenia, which reconfirmed the Rome Treaty in 1992.

What does Italy really want.

Unbelievably, Italy does not want the money ! It wants restitution ofproperty in kind. Not only that, It demands certain privileges for those Italians residing in Slovenia and that they be given equal rights to that of Slovenian citizens.

(Continued on page 12) Page 4 Slovenian Easter

The older I get, the more grateful I have become to my the wounds of Christ's body, and the cold meats would parents who have instilled in me (through much nagging represent the body of Christ. On Easter Sunday morning and cajoling) a strong Slovenian identity. I consider we would gather for breakfast at the dining table and eat myself to be one ofthe lucky ones, who has retained the food that had been blessed. Even now, with some of some ofthose Easter traditions that were and are still us living away from home and with families ofour own, being practised in Slovenia. In a peculiar way, I feel we gather at our parents' place and cat breakfast special that for occasions such as Christmas, Easter and together. The leftover scraps were never thrown away, numerous others, I don't fall into the category ofthe but burnt. average Australian. I am quite proud ofdoing things just a little differently and explaining the traditional ways to Reading this, you might think that it's no big deal, but my non-Slovenian friends. think back for a moment on how Easter, Christmas and other major (particularly religious) occasions ofthe year Easter is one ofthe great times ofthe year in which (in are celebrated in your family. Think ofall the traditions my family especially) the tradition of celebrating Easter and customs that have been instilled in you (ever so in the Slovenian way is still kept well alive. In our lightly or strongly) in a Slovenian way, and thank your family, one knows when Easter is drawing near. Coming parents for that special gift they have passed on to you. from a strong Catholic background, I always expect a subtle reminder from my mother at the beginning of LENT. Even though in the spirit ofthe times the Catholic Church was eased its rules on fasting, our family still practises in the times when my parents grew up in Slovenia. The "devet dnevnica", "pepelnica" and "velik petek" are still strongly adhered to in our family.

Pancake Tuesday was never Pancake Day for us but the day when my mother would make "Krofe" or donuts, as this was the way it was done "back home".

The Saturday before Easter Sunday, we would colour our eggs and prepare and decorate a basket full of painted eggs, cold meats, "Potica", bread and sometimes a bottle ofwine. We would then travel to the Slovenian church and participate in the ceremony ofthe blessing of the food. Each item would represent part of Jesus Christ. For example, the "Potica " or bread would be baked in a ring which would represent the crown ofthorns, the painted red eggs would represent the drops of blood from Page 5

SLOVENIAN BUSINESSMAN WINS Finance Report AWARD FOR PACKAGING EXCELLENCE by Ian Makovec On 5 October 1993, the Republic of Dusan Lajovic, owner of Impact Slovenia (RS) passed laws to issue all International, won the 1994 Australian YOU TOO CAN SHARE IN THE Slovenian citizens with ownership state award for packaging. The PRIVATISATION OF SLOVENIAN certificates which can be used to buy innovatively designed "Lajcan" containers BUSINESSES shares in companies which are privatising. can be made of recycled plastic or cardboard and costs less than standard tin The issue of sharing in the privatisation of The laws required that the certificates be cans to produce. Slovenia's previously state-owned allocated to all persons who were business, has been the most innovative Slovenian citizens on 5 December 1992 on step the Government has taken to the basis of their age as follows:- TRADE BETWEEN SLOVENIA & restructure its economy. This decision has SIT A$ AUSTRALIA meant Slovenian Citizens living abroad up to 18 years of age 100,000 1,077 are entitled to share in this allocation of between 18 & 23 200,000 2,154 The platform for trade is in early wealth and your stake may be waiting for between 23 & 28 250,000 2,692 construction and seems to be hard work you to claim. between 28 & 38 300,000 3,230 for all those who have tried to progress it, between 38 & 48 350,000 3,769 to little avail. Those that have succeeded Over the next few issues we explore between over 48 400,000 4,307 are the large companies (e.g. Euro, firstly what this means to Slovenian Gorenje, Coca Cola Amatil) which can citizens in Australia, and then look at the The citizen is free to nominate which bridge the gap of distance and expensive implications ofthe process. privatised company to invest in and how support. Using this as a guide, I can only much of the certificate is to be converted suggest that those involved in trade As a socialist/communist styled state, the into shares of the company. Special promotion focus their time marketing Slovenian government owned and investment companies have also been Slovenia's advantages to the select big operated almost every business similar to established which themselves invest in Australian corporations which can our Government owning the rail system companies to be privatised. Instead of capitalise on these opportunities and (CityRail and the Met) and electricity converting a larger proportion of their provide a consulting service to those commissions in Australia. With the onset certificates into the shares of a few Slovenian companies considering of a republican government influenced by companies, citizens are able to invest in venturing business activities in Australia. a democratic framework, it was these investment companies which in turn recognised that it was not government's invests the pooled monies in a greater role to own and operate all businesses number of companies to diversifies risks. resulting in the need to sell/privatise these EXCHANGE RATES businesses. The certificates are issued in the name of the citizen and cannot be transferred. For As at 17 Jan 1995 6 Sept 94 10 May 94 those citizens who have died after 5 AUD/SIT 92.87 91.2 95.34 December 1992, the executor ofthe estate DEM/SIT 81.84 80.03 78.79 is entitled to the allocation of certificates and nomination of companies. Citizens under the age of eighteen, require then- parents to nominate which companies the certificates are to be converted into.

All Slovenian citizens are required to Small Business register their eligibility prior to 5 April 1995 by requesting the application form Financial from the local Embassy, Slovenian clubs and Slovenian Church Centres. The RS Management processes your application, confirms your citizenship and notifies you of your eligibility for the allocation. This can be done in Australia through the Slovenian Embassy in Canberra.

The privatisation of companies is progressing and offerings of shares will continue over the next 12 months. These shares will then be listed on the Ljubljana Stock Exchange in 1996 for trading by all investors. Advice on the Accounting and Financial As citizenship is granted to those born in aspects of your Business Slovenia or can be confirmed by those born to Slovenian parents, it is possible Ian Makovec for you to share in Slovenia's reforms by 957 5820 660 7005 acting now. I Page 6 A Paper House. The Ending of Yugoslavia. Mark Thompson (1992) Vintage: London

o CO

"A foreign mercenary in Yugoslavia in 1991 toldajournalist that: "We haveourownreasonsfor being here. I wantedto understandwhythis war was happening". Theman'smethodofresearch was extreme, butanyone can sympathisewithhis bafflement. Thisbookis not a war report, thoughI hope it explains whythe war reportagepresented such a confusingpicture.Nowhere inEurope, as the Cold Warended, was it trickierfor outsiders to tell theneedfulfrom theneedless destruction, thaninfederal Yugoslavia. This book attempts this distinction. More personally it records a kind ofpassion to understand a place; to experience something as it vanished, and to see new things as they emerged" (Thompson 1992, Preface).

Mark Thompson, English journalist and London correspondent of Mladina magazine in Slovenia, travelled through Yugoslavia in the late 1980's. In this work ofliterature he brings to the reader, through past historical developments and present events, an outsider's attempt to understand the decline and fall of the former Yugoslavia.

Illuminating the fragile nature of Yugoslavia as a state since its conception in 1918, Thompson clearly indicates that even despite its political and nationalistic yearnings for independence from earlier empirical oppressors, its differences in language, culture, history and religion could not maintain an idealistic bonding based on racial ("Slavic") kinship. This is not essentially new to us: as second generation Slovenians, we have been brought up knowing of tlie obvious differences and the subsequent problems these have brought, both to our parents back in their homeland, and to us, in our experiences within the Slovenian community and beyond.

Thompson aptly and metaphorically embarks on his journey into tlie breakdownof Yugoslavia,begiimingat "The Wall", a crossing place in Nova Gorica, symbolising "tlie junction of two states and two worlds, Eastern and Western, Balkan and European". What follows is an in- depth account of tlie events leading up to June 1991, intelligently blending interesting historical fact, personal encounters with the people and their customs, political and economic viewpoints, tlie philosophical and literary influences of Slovenian academics and writers, and some vivid and detailed descriptions ofLjubljana and the Slovenian countryside.

Of particular interest is the writer's account of the social and sub-culturemovementsin the 1980's,permeated as they were by Western and American influences, and how these led to an increasing critique of the Socialist government towards a campaign for democracy. Many interesting anecdotes on the punk music scene and on the initially radical and influential Mladina, which behaved like a free press within a republican mode, serve to give the reader a broader contemporary background.

Permit me to indulge you in a rather disturbing picture painted by Tliompson in summating the Slovenian character: "phlegmatic, orderly, hard-working, dull, piously Catholic, reticent, stingy...famously Austrian". Given that for the greater part of its history, Slovenian peoples have been under German/Austrian domination, from as early as 874 until 1918, it may suffice to say that despite, and perhaps because of, the obvious parallels which can be drawn, the Slovenians may indeed be seen in this light. One does not need to look far to see the Slovenianpreference for monetary and commodity items, perhaps displayingan intrinsic subservience to German influence.

Interwoven with these themes are other seemingly trivial pieces of information: great literary epics are told; and stories of the people's yearnings for democracy, for example, origins of the American Declaration of Independence have been traced back to a 15th century democratic ritual in a Slovenian Carinthian town called Sent Vid, near Klagenfurt. I say seemingly trivial because, in fact, such events have all been built up to portray the Slovenian identity, which, even through its millennium of subservience to others, has expressed its desire to be recognised in its own right for almost just as long.

Whatever conclusions Thompson makes ofSlovenians, or, as the book further develops, of Croats, Serbs, and ofthe other groups, he has done so with a great deal of research and personal journalistic experience and integrity. He presents each group objectively, from a variety of perspectives, something which, perhaps only an outsider could successfully do.

A compelling, in-depth reading, recommended to anyoneseeking to understandthe backgroundof complexities, in a still continuing catastrophy in the Balkans. by M'dena Godec Page 7

\ My Home Slovenia By Natalie Kopse (Age 13) ONTACT POIN1

Where the Sun Shines Strong. Where the Rain Smells Sweet, I Think ofMy Home Slovenia With my every Heart Beat IN NSW:

Mountains so High SLOMSKOVA SOLA Hills that go Forever St. Raphael Slovene Mission 313 Merrylands Rd. Merrylands So Free is the Country Phone (02) 637 7147 My Home Slovenia SATURDAY SCHOOL OF Faces I Miss COMMUNITY LANGUAGES (NSW Department Country of Bliss of School Education) Place of Such Freedom & Love Contact Mrs. Mariza Lican on (02) 728 3387 Where all People are One Under the Same Rising Sun, MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY School of Slavonic Studies Contact Ms Metka Cuk My Home Slovenia on (02) 850 7032 Is Where I Belong

IN VICTORIA KOBAL & ASSOCIATES SOLICITORS & VICTORIAN SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES H.I.S. Princess Hill Secondary College, ATTORNEYS Arnold Street, Carlton North. Dorothy Kobal B.ComL.LB. Contact Ms Sasha Cererin (03) 802 4326 or Ms Sandi Ceferin (03) 571 9360

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR 81 Sporing Ave, SLOMSKOVA SOLA GOLD LICENCE NO: EC38345 (P.O. Box KL 806) Slovenian Religious and Cultural Centre, Kew. Kings Langley 2147 Phone (03) 853 8118 For all your Electrical work call SLOVENIAN ASSOCIATION Henry Stariha (Tel) (02) 838 0334 MELBOURNE (Fax) (02) 674 4583 Contact Magda Pisotek (03) 726 8465 Marija Penca (03) 894 1017 Conveyancing,Wills & Probate, Small Business, Litigation and SLOVENIAN ASSOCIATION PLANICA Phone: (02) 624-3132 Contact Lidija Lapuh (03) 8799 3984, Mobile: 018 972 425 General Advice. Lucia Srnec (03) 870 4810 Regional Profile

In the extreme west ofSlovenia one ofthe architectural treasures lies a small region, measuring of the area. The castle's ground- onlyaround 149 km2, there, the The Brda (Goriska plan is a square with towers highlands ofBrisko descend to a symmetrically placed in corners. plain of unique charm surrounded The building reveals traces of by hills, which from Krmin in the west to Aquileia. After the death of the last Count the Renaissance, brought to Kalvarija in the east enclose this region of Gorizia in 1500, this territory came under Slovenia from Italy. It was built in which, a century ago, was a swamp. And the jurisdiction of Austria. The situation Venetian style, though it was later adapted yet the Brda (often referred to as tlie remained the same until 1918, when the in the early Baroque style. The Dobrovo Goriska Brda) form a singular region, so Brda - like certain other parts of Slovenia - Castle was in the 16th century owned by the well-known that hardly any Slovenians do were invaded by Italy. During World War Colloredo family, but in the 18th century it not know about them, or have not been II, the Brda experienced the National passed to the Catterini-Erzberg family from tempted to visit them. Liberation War, German occupation and Gorizia. The castle complex also includes a finally, at the end of tlie War, the passage of chapel dedicated to St Anthony of Padua, The most memorable feature of the Brda is the troops connected with Germany recorded as early as 1480. The chapel has a the hills. Slovenia as a whole is a land of (Cossacks). After World War II, this region rectangular nave and a mirror ceiling. It is hills, but the Brda look different, since the was part ofZone A of the Julian Region now a unique exhibition hall, with Gothic eye travels from their peaks down to the until in 1947 it was annexed to Yugoslavia. frescoes, original paintings and replicas Friuli plain in the south, and further down depicting the Primorsko region. The castle all the way to the sea. The variety oftlie There are many churches, a number of nowadays houses a gallery, restaurant and Brda hills adds to their attraction; some of castles, monuments and memorials erected wine cellar, which has made Dobrovo them are still overgrown with forests, others known far beyond the borders of the Brda. have been turned into vineyards. Due to the Brda's geographical position, the region The main agricultural activity in the Brda is wine-producing. Viticulture has been receives the influence ofthe Mediterranean climate. Here it usually snows for present in tlie Brda for a long time. Before approximately four days of the year and the World War I, more than lOOOha ofthe average January temperature is more than territory of the Brda were vineyards. Today, the figure has increased to 1800ha. 2°C.

The lower Brda region is an agricultural In addition to wine-growing, fruit growing area, while the higher slopes are still has been an important agricultural activity. overgrown with forests. The regions which The Brda region is famous for its cherries, are not suitable for vineyards are covered by peaches, apricots, pears, apples and figs. stretches of woods abounding in acacia, Recently, new sorts have joined the which provides the material for vine props. traditional ones, for example the kiwi-fruit. Some native species of trees grow there, including, the graden oak, black elm, New times and new methods ofwork have small ash, sweet chestnut, large ash, changed the way of life in the Brda. It mountain maple and, in colder areas, beach. would be difficult to describe in a few lines Larger woods extend near the village of in honour of those fallen during the War. everything that the Brda region treasures. Podsabotin, in valleys with water sources Most prominent among these is the But one more thing to note is that the Brda and on the steeper slopes unsuitable for belvedere at Gonjace, which is a memorial look at their best in spring, clothed in blossoms and early greenery, and in farming. to 213 people fallen during the War, 82 autumn, when the vineyards glitter in hostages and 20 local people from the Brda nuances of yellow, gold, red and brown. Tlie Brda lack water sources. Until 1953 and Slovenian Veneto who died in they depended on wells and scarce streams internment. Tlie belvedere, designed by SOURCE: Trenutkiv Goriskih Brdih (byMarfan Baiato with little water. Shortage of water used to Marko Slajhmer, was built on Mejnik. with special note to Marfan Brecelj) be one of the most pressing problems, From a massive stone plateau rises a slender (Collated byJude Bavcar) which was finally solved when the Brisko round pillar, a long stairway winds up from water system was built, using the water it, interrupted by 4 round fenced-in landing- from the Soca river. stages, which at their central points create another pillar. Tlie entire complex was The Brda were settled by the Slovenians in inaugurated in 1961. The view from this the 6th century. They settled mainly along vantage point is outstanding, revealing the line marking the border between the picturesque landscapes in either direction. plain and the elevated terrain. During the following centuries the Slovenians in the Today, the administrative, cultural and Brda were frequently subjected to foreign commercial centre ofthe Brda is in the town rule. In the 8th century their territory ofDobrovo. Tlie earliest records of belonged to the Franconian-German state; settlement date from 1323. Archaeological the Slovenes came under the foreign research in recent years has revealed the aristocracy, mainly of German and Italian remnants ofthe castle built in the Middle origin. From 1000 to 1500, the Brda were Ages, later demolished to make way for a partly under the rule of the Counts of new castle built at the beginning ofthe 17th Gorizia and partly of the Patriarchs of Century. It has been well preserved and is Page 9 Q&tanislav (Rapotec ~the warpears I5art2

Profile on Stanislav Rapotec information which was used in subsequent by Irene Stariha&Dorothy Kobal Rapotec was captured by the Germans, but successful missions. after 3 days he escaped and joined secret Stanislav Rapotec is a man who, because of organisations, which were preparing Rapotec lived to see the end of the war his activities during WW2 was nicknamed by themselves for a fight against the aggressor. among the allies in Jerusalem. Because of some as The Yugoslav James Bond . He He was asked to make contact with the the victory of the communist forces in spent the best years of his life in the fight Yugoslav government in exile and in this he Yugoslavia he didn't wish to return to his againstGermannazism, Italian fascism and succeeded. In August 1941 he managed to home country. Up until 1948 he was on againstcornmuiusm and after the breaking reach Cairo and handed over to the Yugoslav patrol at the Suez Canal in a special unit out ofWW2 established contact with the Information service the data for the which was under direct British command. YugoslavGovernment in exile and had establishment of a liaison with the home After that he took offhis military uniform connections with Natlacen, archbishop country, and report to London about the and decided to go to England. Nevertheless, Stepinac, with people who wanted to oppose situation in Yugoslavia. because of conditions in post-war England, both fascism and communism. He is a man he decided to try Australia. whoknew the great 20th century painter From London they charged him with a new Chagall and a close friend of media magnate task, to establish contact with various Even before he started carrying secret Rupert Murdoch. political figures strategic to the resistance messages for the allies, he carried within movement. He sailed to Dalmatia in an himselfsecret messages of an imaginary Although his fame lies within the art world, English submarine but his mission wasn t world and was putting them down on paper his life prior to the launch ofhis artistic successful. Rapotec returned to Alexandria and canvas with the strokes of pencil and career was equally fascinating and often and only after a few months he managed to brush. Even the brutal period of war didn't dangerous. Many times his life hanged on a reach his destination. The mission was suffocate his wakening painter's genius. thread thinner than the bristle ofa painter s aborted when his radio operator shared brush, yet stronger than death. At age thirty, highly classified information with an when Germany invaded Yugoslavia, he found untrustworthy female acquaintance. They himselfin the vortex ofhistory, the value of were forced to escape in haste with the aid of life was measured in lead bullets. allies and took with them top secret

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SHOWROOM ADDRESS: SYDNEY BRANCH 3 Dalmore Drive 2A Bessemer Street Scoresby VIC 3152 Blacktown NSW 2148 Ph: (03)764-1900 Ph.: (02)671-5999 Fax: (03) 764-1461 Fax: (02)621-3213 1 Waiting back stage for tlie next set to begin... Robert, Sue, Rudi, Miriam andMark, 70%of Black Baron. 25thAnniversary celebrations of Club Planicain WoUongong. 25 February1995

2. Kara and Lana Stariha caught at their "best"... playing angels in the Nativity scene at the 1994 Midnight Mass, St Rafael's Church Merrylands

3. Two ofour ASR team become a team of their own... Paul Lukezicand Mia Smith married on 19 February 1995. Congratulations!

4. Simona Seckar and Martin Osolnik members ofthe Canberra FolkloricGroup perform at the 25th Anniversary Celebrations in WoUongong.

1995 Masquerade (Pust), Slovenian Australian Association Canberra, 18 February.

5. Amanda Skerbic (Genie) & Tammy Mcgann ( Minny Mouse)

6. Zinka Ceme ( Jungle Woman) A well deserved '1st prize'. Well done!

7. Falez Family (Cave People , Nurse & Patient). Suzi & Zeljko Golem (Cowboys)

Rebecca Notts ( Devils Girlfriend) '3rd prize'. Lucky devil!!!

Snaps taken at various events in the Slovenian community aroundAustralia. We can't make it to every event, so we're depending anyoil.. send us your snaps together with a brief explanation and names ofthefaces you've captured Page 11 ©ut&tAbout Has beenput back on the drawing board due to lackof interest. Ourdepartment offun &good times is working hard to come up with an rChe Q&octal Q&cene in Qbpdnep alternativesocial event.Any suggestions would EVENT DETAILS be welcome. DATE PLACE

Australian Slovenian Review 18th March-Saturday SDS Jozefovanje 8pm FUND-RAISER Music by Black 3aron

19th March-Sunday Triglav Jozefovanje BBQ 12 noon Music by Black Baron 2-6pm

9th April - Sunday St Rafaels Church Palm Sunday Mass y30am Saturday 3rd June 1995 Passion singing by choir Meet at Slovenian Catholic Church 14th April- Friday St Rafaels Church Good Friday Service 3pm (St Rafaels) & Passion Play 311 Merrylands Rd, Merrylands 16th April-Sunday Si Rafaels Church Easter Sunday Main Mass at 7:45am SHARP!! Procession & Solemn Mass Featuring ChoralChoir Cost: $20.00 (includes bus transport, morning &afternoon Second service 10am teas, & light lunch) 17th April - Monday St. Rafaels Church Pirhovanje - Easter Dance 7:30pm GREAT SHOPPING BARGAINS Music by Veseli Gomjci Clothes, shoes, jewellery, leather gear, home-ware 25th Apnl - Tuesday Triglav ANZAC Day Club open 1Oam & lindt chocolates Laying ofwreath at 5pm Brands such as Orrefars, Kosta-Boda, Chic-a-Boom Dolina, Sheriden, Bendon, Diamond Cut, Corning 29th April - Saturday SDS Dance 8pm Ware etc. Music by Veseli Gorenjci

(PRIZES TO BE Won) 7th May - Sunday Triglav Mothers Day BBQ BBQ 12noon Musicby VeseliGorenjci All proceeds of this event will be put towards the 2 - 6pm publication of the ASR 8:00pm For additional information call Jude Bavcar 601-7689 13th May-Saturday SDS Mothers Day Dance Music by Black Baron

A few statistics from our mailing list: 14th May- Sunday St Rafaels Church Mothers Day Picnic & After Mass NSW: 329 TAS: 001 Concert __. —-.— VIC: 114 ACT: 011 2Xlh May - Sunday SDS Bowlers Picnic 3 - 7pm QLD: 004 NT: 000 Music by A.P.S Sound SA: 011 Incorrect address: 052 WA: 007 TOTAL: 529 3rd June - Saturday ASR ASR Shopping SaverTour See ad this page The ASR prints 700 copies ofeach issue 477 are mailed direct from our mailing list. Tlie rest is 20th August - Sunday St Rafaels Church Car Rally See ad this page distributed amongst the various clubs and organizations around Australia. Our target being For more details on the events SDS (Slovenian Association St Rafaels Slovenian Catholic Triglav Club Ltd mainly 1st & 2nd generation Slovenians. This is Sydney) Church 80-84 Brisbane Rd listed above contact the 2-10 Elizabeth St 313 Merrylands Rd St Johns Park estimated to be about 2000 readers each issue. organisers direct:- "I'pdate your details when you change address' WetheriU Park Merrylands (02) 610 1627 (02)756 1658 (02) 637 7147

Will be held on Sunday 20th August. Theevent will begin at St Rafaels Church after Sundaymass and end witha BBQ at the destination. The routewill be determined by lastyears winnersMarjetica Bolko and mi This is a St Rafaels fund raiser & Robert McAuley. Look outfor registration info in the nextASR.

Slovene Association TRIGLAV Club LiMitEd" Sydney ♦ Full Membership invited ♦ Function Facilities available ♦ Bowls, Snooker, Bingo A.C.N 000 904 754 Social Club available for: ♦ Restaurant 2 - 10 Elizabeth Street Weddings, Parties, Wcihcril! Park NSW 2164 Functions <& Hall hire Coming Events in 1995: • Jozcfo\-anjc March 19 BBQ- 12 Noon Dance - 2 till 6pm ♦ BISTRO * POKER MACHINES * • Materinski Dan May 7 BBQ - 12 Noon Dance - 2 till 6pm ♦ LIBRARY * (Slovcnlw, Boota) • Oceiovski Dan Sept 3 BBQ- 12 Noon Dance - 2 till 6pm • Wine Tasting Nov 12 BBQ- 12 Noon Dance - 2 till 6pm Phone: 02 756 1658 • MikJavzcvanjc Dec3 BBQ- 12 Noon Dance - 2 till 6pm • New Year's Eve Dec 31 Dance - 8pm till late into the New Year! Fax: 02 756 1447 Ph: 610 1627 Fax: 823 2522 S.A.S. "Supporting Uk Advancement ofSlovenians" Triglav Club Limited (acnooi 297927) 80 - 84 Brisbane Road, St John's Park NSW 2176 Page 12

Slovenia Kobarid Museum and "1993 European Museam Of the Year." Italy By DorothyKobal snow and slush, a thousand metres high and (Continuedfrom page 3) hundreds of kilometres distant, into the heart of It also questions the validity of the 1975 During my extensive travels in Europe, I the gunfire and bayonet charge with which he is encountered and explored many museums with assaulted by an equally wretched soul, often of Osimo Agreement which finally settled different themes. Ofcourse, places like the the same nationality, for Slovenes found all open issues from the past. British Museum and Natural History Museum in themselves on both sides... since they lived on Vienna were memorable - there was just so much either side ofthe border, in both countries." (1) ' hi this way, Italy is trying to to see ! How could one forget the Louvre - so unilaterally revise the international many beautiful and priceless works ofart, it The museum is best seen during quiet times, treaty in force, thereby referring to tlie would have taken weeks to see everything. But when you are able to wander around the displays irrelevant circumstance, namely, that for some reason, the small seemingly and imagine what it would have been like. After treaties which were signed "with a inconsequential museum at Kobarid, made an the entrance hall there are seven rooms to communist regime" or a country which indelible mark on my memory, and is probably explore, named according to the various themes no longer exists cannot be in force and my sentimental favourite. in each display. Some of the displays show a that in spite of tlie fact that succession to historical survey ofthe Kobarid region, that same agreement was assumed by Kobarid is a small Slovenian town near the Italian photographs and sketches ofthe entire front. Italy through an exchange of notes on the border, and it was in the mountains surrounding Then there's the Black Room, which shows how 31 July 1992, in compliance with the this town that one ofthe greatest battles ever took ridiculously minor the territorial changes were rules of international law on succession place on Slovenian soil during the First World over the months of the battle and yet how of states.' (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of War. Over 600,000 soldiers fought on this front. horrifying the consequences ofthe battle. The RS) (emphasis added). From 1915 when the Isonzo (or Soska) front was Rear Room depicted everyday life ofthe soldier opened up, until 1917 when the battle here on the front: having to cope with disease, What does Italy Really want. ended, over one million people had been killed or infection, hypothermia, starvation and death. The driven away. It was a battle between the Italians White Room is perhaps the most characteristic of and the Austro-Hungarian Empire (which ruled the battle for the Soca; much ofthe battle was Since Italy's attempts to unilaterally Slovenia during this time). Who won the battle? fought in horrendous conditions - in snow and revise the Agreement will not be agreed The Austrians, but does it really matter ? Lives ice, rain and mud, between boulders and steep to by Slovenia, It has turned it's were lost for the sake ofdrawing the border-lines cliff faces. In these conditions, the Austrians attention to Slovenia's membership to a few kilometres this way or that. wheeled in 3,000 cannons and the Italians 2,430, the European Union (EU). Italy has by nothing more sophisticated than donkey and announced that it will not support The Museum at Kobarid is a tribute to the lives brute strength. Slovenia in it's application for associate that were lost during this period. As one writer membership to the EU. Since the put it: I was very pleased when I heard that Kobarid announcement, Italy has repeatedly " for as important... as the wars and Museum had been named the 1993 European contributed to the decision ofthe EU battles may be and as interesting they are to Museum ofthe Year, the most coveted museum Council of Ministers' decision not to historians studying the fate ofthe world, the award in Europe. It is a museum ofworld-class give the green light to Slovenia, even thing that stands out above all is the fate of the standard, and vividly portrays the complete though it meets all the criteria for individual. The fate ofthe soldier...The fate ofthe futility of war, and the unquestioning bravery associate membership as well as some poor soul hiding for months on end in caves, shown by individuals - pawns in man's constant conditions for full membership. surviving on crusts ofbread and a canteen of struggle for power. dirty water, until finally driven into attack armed Recently, the Slovenian Prime Minister with bayonet, up and down the contours of the (1) Mate Dolenc, "Prezente ! Kobarid- Star of Janez Dmovek invited Italy to present its Museums"KIM, (February 1994) rocky mountain gorges and cliffs, in the cold and demands to Slovenia publicly (i.e. what it really wants from Ljubljana), then he will take the issue to referendum, to be decided by the citizens of Slovenia. This statement surprised the Italians, as did a recent statement by the President Milan ROSEWOOD Kuan at the 40th Western European MWtOOOWOWWW&OO-ttWWWWC Union Assembly, that Italy's acts Builders License No.34806 • WhereQualityand Service is built in ' A.C.N.002 542 896 represent an "unacceptable extortion". Display Monies We welcome your This seemingly provocative statement by % located at: Kuan is perhaps a sign that Slovenia is inspection of our three HomeWorld II, at the end ofits tether in relation to this professionally decorated, Hampton Crescent| matter. It has tried to maintain friendly Prospect, and open relations with Italy as much a master built display homes. OPEN 7DAYS % possible. However, Slovenia's goodwill 9am to 5pm has been met with nothing but hostility and attempts at 'diplomatic blackmail'. Phone: 6713155 MARKO KRAJC NICK KRAJC Page 13

confidence that profit would emerge King Alexander was shot in Marseilles by In the 20 year period which separated the eventually.(2) So when 12,894,650 shares members ofthe Ustashi. Political violence two world wars 1919 to 1939, Yugoslavia were sold in a panic on the 28th of October seemed to be the answer. was formed. Slovenia was part of this 1929 confidence was shattered. The collection ofstates which for all intents and world's financial markets were in disorder. In Autumn 1939 Croatia obtained purposes was under the controlof Serbia. It seemed as ifthe whole system of autonomy, yet Slovenia began to feel the The first stage of the move towards capitalism was going to collapse. pressure and nationalist violence of the Yugoslavia,which literally means Southern Mussolini fascists. Slovenia had a lot to Slavs, was the Kingdom of the Serbs, The period 1929-1934is notable for the lose at this stage. In the 1930's there had Croats and Slovenes. Created in 1918, rise offacism and totalitarianism. In both been extensive development in the state in shortlyafter WorldWar One, the Kingdom democratic and socialist countries alike, terms ofthe foundation ofuniversities and was dominated by Serbian authorities. It can ordinarypeople were being made to suffer the Academy of Sciences. The new state be regarded as the first stage in the overall for the irresponsible capitalists. According framework pushed Slovenians into a plan for a 'Greater Serbia', and the history of to Marxist principles the capitalists should position of inferiority.(4) Slovenia's position the Slovenians at this time was that ofa minority. can be intrinsically linked to Closely guarded, and the ebb and flow ofthe newly comprising only 10% of the created Yugoslavia. overall Yugoslav population. Slovenia did As early as 1919 the Croat manage a good degree of Peasant Army, led by prosperity and growth in a Stephen Radic, wanted a %utzvW&v time ofdepression and slow republican, federalist or recovery world wide. It was confederalist Yugoslavia. a prize that the Kingdom The Serbs and Croats had was not willing to let go, developed under different 1919-1939 and subsequently neither empires and cultures. The would the Communists Serbs were heavily after 1945. influenced by the Ottoman Turks, and Orthodox by The radical nature of religion. The Croats, like the Robert Pecovnik European politics between Slovenes, were more heavily the wars was spurred on by influenced by the Austro- a sense of uncertainty, Hungarian empire and change and revolution.The Roman Catholic religion. anxiety ofthe times was not These influences did without reason as the constitute a part of each state's character, The radical nature of bloodshed ofthe Second World War was to and the differences would have affected show. Slovenia was still struggling for the relationship between the two. The European politics between the independence in a land precariously placed strains in this relationship are clearly wars was spurred on by the amongst the worlds most notorious evident in 1928 when Radic was killed in dictators. The Fascists, Third Reich, the Yugoslav parliament. sense ofuncertainty, change Communists, previous Empires, and the and revolution.. Ustashi were on a collision course in In January 1929 King Alexander dissolved Yugoslavia. Parliament, suspended the constitution, and introduced a dictatorship. Alexander be disposessed, and the people were to own In 1941 when Slovenia was divided by claimed that the Croation Peasant Army is the means of production. This ideologyhad Hitler's armies the tiny nation could only one of his main obstacles to peace, and he mass appeal, and its message was brace itself for what was to follow.(5)It was sees no alternative but to proclaim the land spreading despite resistance throughout a time of struggleagainstthe occupying as the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. In that same Europe. In Yugoslavia the small illegal armies, and also a time of uncompromising year, with the help ofItalian fascists, the Communist Party, banned since 1921, fratricidal bloodshed.(6) The destiny of Ustashi is formed. The organization is reformed by the end of the thirties into the many of our parents was determined in opposed to the formation of a patriachal fighting Bolshevik Party(3). The members these years, and the next issue will carefully Yugoslavia, put simply they did not want of this party included Josef Broz (Tito), look at this highly emotional time.The the royal family in charge. The factions that who would later play an instrumental role interwar years were a time ofcontinued divide the countrythen do so today. In fact, in the formationof post-war Yugoslavia. struggle for independence in Slovenia, as in a 1920 plebiscite (an election of sorts) The spiral down into war continued at a the 'world's' marched blindly into war. only 2 of the 40 parties advocated Yugoslav relentless pace, and Slovenia could only statewide programs. Most parties were watch its autonomy being slowlyeroded. 1.Vodopivec P The Historical Background to "The Slovene interested in their own backyard, and its Question" cited in Grafenauer N The CaseofSlovenia 1991.p 27 Ljubljana. problems.(l) The Balkan Wars were not The early thirties was a time of great 2.Cowie R Obedience orChoice. Gladesville 1987 p 302 over after 1913 as first thought. The area industrial and political unrest. It seemed as 3 RaposaK Discover Slovenia 1992 Ljubljanap 24 was becoming increasingly segmented and if violence on a grand scale was the only 4.ibid Sopcit 6.Vodopivec P op cit more volatile. means to regain some measure ofsocial control by the new group of tyrants. For After much post war prosperity the US was example Mussolini, Hitler and Stalin all finding it difficult to recoup some of the were ruthless in their persecution of their debts from WW1. The financial markets, an enemies, both real and imagined. The enterprise without a product, were world was spinning out of control towards dependant on profit, or at least the another total war, and on October 1934 Page 14 Structure of the Slovenian Parliament The Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia demand that the National Assembly review was adopted on December 23, 1991, exactly a NATIONAL ASSEMBLY its decision on a law before its promulgation. year after the plebiscite for an independent The National Council has 40 members, state. Tlie new constitutional order derives Tlie Slovenia parliament is called the known as councillors. The term ofoffice in from the principle that Slovenia is a National Assembly and is a single chamber. the National Council is five years. The Democratic Republic and a legal and social The Assembly is headed by a President ( at council is also headed by a President (at state. Tlie commitment to a legal state binds present Joze Skoljc) and made up of 90 present Dr Ivan Kristan). it to base all its acts on the law, and the deputies representing parties such as: provisions of a social state to care for the material and social well -being of its citizens. -The Liberal Democratic Party The people hold the power in Slovenia and (22 deputies) GOVERNMENT citizens can implement it directly through -Slovenian Christian Democrats elections. (15 deputies) At the beginning of 1993, the National -Associated List of Social Democrats Assembly passed a new law on the In accordance with the new Slovenian (14 deputies) Government ofthe Republic ofSlovenia Constitution, the highest legislative authority -Slovenian National Party which reduced the number ofministries from is the National Assembly, which has 90 (5 deputies) 23 to 15 and the number ofmembers of the deputies elected for a four-year term of - Slovenian People s Party government from 27 to 16 (or 18 if we office. The National Council with 40 (11 deputies) include the (maximum) two ministers deputies performs an advisory role. The - Democratic Party without portfolio allowed by law). President of the republic represents Slovenia (5 deputies) The government is headed by a Prime and is at the same time the supreme - Greens of Slovenia - Eco Social Party Minister ( at present Dr Janez Drnovsek, also commander ofthe defence forces. The ( 5 deputies) president of the Liberal Democratic Party) government is the highest executive body, - Social Democratic Party of Slovenia- and the Ministries include: independent within tlie framework of its (4 deputies) -Ministry ofLabour, Family and competence and responsible to the National -One representative of the Hungarian Social Affairs assembly. ethnic minority and one representative -Ministry of Economic Relations for the Italian ethnic minority were and Development PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC also elected to the National Assembly. - Ministry ofFinance (at present Milan Kucan) - Ministry ofEconomic Affairs * Situation in the National Assembly as at - Ministry ofAgriculture and Forestry As well as being tlie representative of January 10th 1994 - Ministry ofCulture Sloveniaand supreme commander of its - Ministry ofInternal Affairs defence forces, the President calls elections - Ministry ofDefence to the National Assembly, proclaims laws - Ministry ofEnvironment and adopted by the National Assembly, proposes NATIONAL COUNCIL Regional Planning a candidate for prime minister to the National - Ministry of Justice Assembly and performs other duties defined Tlie National Council is an advisory body - Ministry ofTransport by the Constitution. The President of the composed of representatives of social, and Communications Republic is elected for a term of five years economic, professional and local interests. - Ministry of Education and Sport and may serve no more than two consecutive The National Council may propose laws to the - Ministry of Health terms. National Assembly, give opinions on all - Ministry ofScience and Technology matters within its competence and may - Ministry ofForeign Affairs - Minister without Portfolio - responsible for legislation

As you can see the one-house parliamentary system in Slovenia is different to our two- house Westminster system. However there are also commonalities, the most obvious of TEE CLUTCH SPECIALISTS which being the democratic basis of both systems. It is interesting to note however, ALL BRAKE & CLUTCH PARTS that the public is not allowed to enter the CAR-TRUCK-TRACTOR-INDUSTRIAL parliament, and only prominent debates are CLUTCH REBUILDING aired to the public. Recent Slovenian visitors to Australia were in awe ofthe fact 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE that they were able to enter our parliament FLYWHEEL GRINDING-DISC & DRUM MACHINING even when it was in session.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: SLOVENIA FOR EVERYONE BOOKLET 3RD EDITION (046) 28 1177 JAN 1994 Collated by Irene Stariha 13BLAXLANDROAD, CAMPBELLTOWN 2560 Page 15

Dr Peter Vencelj Secretary to the Foreign Minister] Republic of Slovenia Interview By Mia Smith "December 94"

MIA: Dr. Vencelj, could you please give our try to followthe differentneeds of the emigrants are biased towards the English readers your briefpersonal history? communities and give them help where we language, they feel no less 'Slovenian than can. people who speak the language fluently? DR. V. : I was born in Kranj in 1939 and am DR. V.: In the time that I have had this job I currently still living in Kranj. I am married MIA : Can you give me some examples of have learned something - of course it is very with two daughters. By profession, I am a what you have done to assist the needs of importantthat Sloveniansspeak Slovenian, Universityprofessor and have worked at the Slovenians in Australia? but it is not the only thing ifyou want to be a University of Ljubljana for 27 years before Slovenian. I can freely say, that I know becoming the Minister for Education and DR. V.: There are no specific things in people who can speak Slovenian very well, Sportin the first Sloveniangovernment in Australia...the community has about 30000 but do not feel that they are Slovenian. On 1991. At the moment, I am State Secretary in members... maybe a specific thing in Sydney the other hand, I know people who don t the Ministry ofForeign Affairs and am was organising the Slovenian Studies at speak the language at all, but still feel that especially responsible for the Slovenians who Macquarie University. We are currently they are Slovenian. Language is not the only are not living in Slovenia. conducting some negotiations, but we are yet thing required for one to be a Slovenian. to see how we will solve this problem, (for MIA: Could you briefly describe your duties an update on thispointplease see the MIA : Do you therefore agree with the as State Secretary? statementfrom theEmbassybelow) format of publications such as the Australian Slovenian Review, which is written in the DR V.: Well, it is a very spread job. You MIA: I see...Are there any other problem English language for Slovenians? must understand that there is a community of areas within the community that you feel half a million Slovenians spread around the need to be addressed? DR V. : Yes, the Slovenians in Italy have a world. Also the Slovenians abroad are similar publication, which publishes articles divided into three different categories. First, DR V.? : No, as I have said, the only in Italian, Slovenian and also in the Venetian there are the Slovenians who live in the problem area is the course at Macquarie dialect. I think it would be good ifyou added neighbouring countries, that is, Austria, Italy University, other problems I have not seen. a Slovenian page to your paper. and Hungary. We also pay special attention to the Slovenians living in regions ofthe MIA : What about the seeming lack of MIA : How willing is the Slovenian former Yugoslavia. The second category are willingness by the young Slovenians to government to financially assist these types Slovenians who temporarily live and work in maintain their cultural heritage? Is the of publication and to encourage further places throughout Europe. These are known Foreign Ministry concerned with the issue of participation of young Slovenians in the radio as zdomci. Third, there are the Slovenians encouraging cultural awareness and ifso, and print media? living on other continents, especially in the what are the specific policies it follows? Americas and in Australia. DR V.: There is no funding at the DR. V.: No, no there are no specific guide moment...maybe it would be a good MIA : What tasks are involved in your job? line for anyone, different communities have suggestion. But you know, with the new different needs, so there are no specific government... funding is always a problem of DR V. : I lead an office in the Ministry of guide-line, you must first asses the situation, money. Foreign Affairs, which takes care of then see what to do and then after this you everything in the social, cultural and can take action to help them. MIA: Thank you very much for your time Dr. educational fields, we assist emigrants with Vencelj. citizenship and property problems and take MIA : How willing are Slovenians to accept, care ofa lot ofdifferent activities. We also that although the second and third generation DRV : Thank you.

Slovenia offeres help to continue the studies ofthe Slovenian Language at Macquarie University, Sydney -Pay the amount of$42,000 to coverhalf of the agreed accrued debt of the Slovenian lectureship;

Prof. Dr. Vencelj, State Extract from a statement from the -cover, from this year on, as by agreement between the two Secretary for Slovenes [Embassy ofthe Republic ofSloveni universities, the salaryofthe lecturer of the Slovenian language (the around the world, at the remaining expenses willbe carriedby MacquarieUniversity). time of his visit to Australiain November1994, had talks at MacquarieUniversity and with The Office for Slovenes outside Slovenia has already allocated Mrs MarijaSenear, President of the SlovenianStudiesTrust, concerning $(AUS)42,000 with which it covered half the debt of the lectureship some financial problems related to the continuation and maintenance of (according to University information) and thus made possible its the Slovenian lectureship. continued unhindered function.

The Office for Slovenes outside Slovenia, in collaboration with the We would like to express our appreciation for the tremendous efforts and Slovenian Ministry of Education and the Faculty of Philosophy at contributions fromthe entire Slovenian Community in the establishment Ljubljana University, in order to promoteSlovenian language studiesin and successfulcontinuationof the lectureship. non-Slovenian universities, decided that it will: Page 16

By Lenti Lenko yictorian Update First of all, I would like to wish all readers of Eve dances which were held at every Tone and the Slovenian Religious Centre in the ASR all the best in 1995! Since the last Slovenian Club. Kew for organising the campseveryyear. issue, a lot has been occurring within the Slovenian Community in Victoria. Although, Just after New Year, the Slovenian Youth Now is the time when all our Slovenian the news might now be a bit old, I must Group organiseda verysuccessful2 daypicnic organisations are preparing their "pust" or mention the very successful celebrations for at the Merzels farm in Daylesford. Aiound 40 masquerade dances. Before everybody know the 40th anniversary of the Slovenian people both young and old enjoyed themselves it, we'll be eating easter eggsagain. Association Melbourne which took place on immensely. The "hrana" was absolutely the weekend of the 19th and 20th of terrific and many thanks must go to those who Before I conclude, I must mention something November last year. I must admit that this helped prepare it all. A special thanks to Mr that has occurred in Melbourne of a more event was one of the best, if not the best and Mrs Stefan and Milena Merzel who have serious nature. On Thursday 15 December prepared that I have ever seen in the history of allowed us to camp on their property for the 1994, a member of the Slovenian band the Slovenian Community in Victoria. There 3rd year in a row. Karantanija had all his musical equipment was something on offer for everyone over the stolen. The value of everything taken was 2 days from an excellent art and craft Every year, the Slovenian Religious and over $20,000. The items stolen were - 2 exhibition to a superbly prepared cultural Cultural Centre in Kew organises a camp Zupan button accordions, I black Hohner program highlighting all the main happenings which is held at the Greyfriars Christian piano accordion, Ibanez Bass guitar and a in the club over the last 40 years. May I take Camp at Mt Eliza. This year, 2 weeks were Peavey bass amplifier head and speaker box. this opportunity to congratulate the many organised, the 1st catering more for families If anyone has any information regarding the people involved in organising such a and the older generation whilst the 2nd week missing equipment, or if anything suspicious successful weekend. catered more toward the youth and younger turns up at a Slovenian Club in any capital generation. Both weeks enjoyed very good city, please contact the police or (03) 853- All the Slovenian associations in Victoria attendances. These yearly retreats are 8136. This equipment is all of sentimental celebrated the traditional visiting of "Sveti excellent value for money and it gives value and any information will be greatly Miklavz" as well as the traditional boxing day Slovenians both young and old the opportunity appreciated. dances. New Years eve saw a large number of to get away from it all for a week or two of our Slovenian Youth attend the New Years relaxation. Many thanks must go to Pater Until next time, all the best. 40th Anniversary Celebrations Slovenian Association Melbourne By Samantha Pencar reminisced over photos albums. Personally, the highlight of the weekend was the cultural What a fabulous weekend! program, not only because of my involvement, but because I learnt of the history of the As I helped collect glasses and bottles from Slovenian Association in Melbourne and the tables at the conclusion of the Sunday night events leading up to the 40th Anniversary. dance, I felt a sense of relief, achievement and satisfaction. The biggest event of the With the theme "40 years through the looking Slovenian Association's Melbourne calendar glass" the audience was captivated by scenes had successfully concluded. After months of of yester-year, including the first meeting of planning, preparation, rehearsing and the Slovenian Association in Melbourne, organisation, it surely was the most picnics and sporting competitions in Wandin memorable and spectacular event since the East and Sunbury, and dinner dances in Association's inception forty years. The Broadmeadows and St. Albans. The audience weekend was a great success. was given a taste of tlie time with our talented singers and dancers ranging from folk dances grandparents, came here from a country far The weekend of the 19th and 20th of performed in national costume to rock'n'roll of away to make a new life, be part of a new November 1994 had been chosen to celebrate tlie sixties where tlie guys arrived in a Fico culture and become Australian, yet we still and display the Slovenian culture to those who (Fiat 500) and then to the chicken dance, remember and cherish Slovenia in our hearts. visited "nas hribcek". There were activities which reminded us of the humble begiiming of for all age groups and various interests. our Slovenian School (as it was a 'chook shed' The 40th Anniversary celebration of the Whilst sporting competitions took place, which served as the classroom). Slovenian Association in Melbourne was a children could have their faces painted, others time for rejoicing. The weekend was a could view the magnificent art exhibition Tlie weekend certainly showed how very much marvellous display of arts, sport, dance, food under the beautifully decorated marquee or alive the Slovenian culture is "na nasem and fun. Never before has there been a more the cake exhibition. The Research CFA also hribcku", and also within our hearts. As the impressive function, one that everyone present had one of their fire trucks on display. The final song ("We are Australian") of the was proud to be associated with. The inflatable castle was popular with the young cultural program was sung, the lyrics linked weekend and its festivities were a tribute to all children, while others glanced, laughed and Slovenians to Australia - we, our parents or involved. Congratulations! Page 17 Media Watchrff The Australian 25/1/95 Capitalism loses its shine for governments of Eastern Europe "Privatisation is starting to strike some governments as a reform to be skipped. Being a sluggish privatiser has not, after all, stopped Slovenia from havingEastern Europe's highest income per head" Help Us Find Out About The Australian 1/2/95 Slovenia's Presence in the Media Things go right for Coke in Poland "The new activities will also complement Coca Cola Amatel's other interests in Austria We want you to send us clippings or copies of Hungary, the Czech and Slovak republics, Belarus, Ukraine and Slovenia." any stories you may find in tlie media about Slovenia The Australian 6/2/95 The Australian 7/3/95 Weekend Score-board Overall world Cup leadership Whether it is controversial, general news World Cup ski jump at Falun 2nd place is J. Kosir (from Slovenia) trivia, fact, good or bad. We want to hear D. Jekovec (Slvn) 227.5 pts (88.5/90.5) 5th. with 700 points about it ,and so do all our readers lllawa: u Mercury 15/2/95 They may be in newspapers, magazines, Slovenians celebrate growth books, or even on TV or radio. An article on tlie 25th anniversary of the Slovenian- Australian club at Figtree in WoUongong appeared under the above heading. A picture accompanied the article featuring Rabeka Rudolf and friends in Slovenian national costume. Good one guys! On sports results in "TheAustralian " (Slov) Recently bought back from Slovenia is Slovakia and (Slvn) is Slovenia. These two Mcdonald's in Ljubljana countries are often confused, notjust in Remember the Big Mac Promo " Two all beef patties special sauce lettuce, cheese, pickles, sports results but, in all sorts ofissues as the onion on a sesame seed bun." abbreviationsare often the samefor both, in Try and say it in Slovenian. Find it on the place mat copy below. We wander what the fastest different areas ofthe media. time was for this Slovenian tongue twister. McDonald's v Ljubljani!

Dobrodosli v McDonald'su. Preprioani smo. da se boste z Vaso druzino in s prijatelji v na£i restavraciji prijelno pocutili. /jj' && V McDonald'su slovimo po tem. da znamo hilro in prijazno poskrbeti za svoje goste. In dobro hrano. Nasi hamburgerji so pripravljeni iz najboljsega govejega mesa. Prav tako kot sir, mleko. krompircek in solata, so zmeraj svezi in preverjeni. V McDonald'su boste za svoj denar Hamburger / Cheeseburger dobili to. kar pricakujetel Dober tek. Sesekljan goveji zrezek s kelchupom in gorcico Ce zelite lahko hrano v prirocni embalazi obdan s kolcki debute, kumaric in sira. odnesete tudi s seboj.

Dvojni hamburger / Cheeseburge Pommes frites Big Mac Dva sesekljana zrezka svezega govejega mesa, Zlato zapeoeni krompircki Dva socna goveja sesekljana zrezka v pcsebej slastni omaki obloiena 3 oblita s ketchupom ingorcico ter s koickioabuie, sirom, svezosolato. rezinami kumarice in cebule v mehkem sezamovem kumaric in sira. Webcku.

Topli napitki Shake Hladni napitki Sladoled Samo najboljse Rava. kakav Mlecni napitki z okusom Coca Cola, Fanta, Sprite scokoladnlm. karamelnim all cokolade. vanilije all jagod. jagodnlm prelivom je dovolj dobro. Page 18

Slivovi Cmoki •Plum Dumplings

This popular Slovenian dish can be served either as a main course or as a dessert. Ingrediants Traditionally it is made during the late summer months, when plums are in season. In Australian grocery stores it is hard to find the dark blue plums which grow in the 10 medium sizedplums orchards throughout Slovenia, instead I use bloodplums or any other sweet variety. (washed and de-boned) Sugar Method 1kg ofpotatoes Cook the impeded potatoes in boiling water with a pinch ofsalt. Dram them and peel them while they are still hot. Mash the potatoes with a fork in a large mixing 2 eggs bowl, until there are no lumpy bits left. Add eggs, flour and a pinch ofsalt and Haifa cup ofplainflour mix with a wooden spoon until the ingredients stick together. Place dough on to a Salt lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, adding extra flour if required. 150g ofunsalted butter Roll the dough to 1cm thickness, then cut into squares, which should be large One tablespoon of enough to cover the entire plum. Place the plum into the middle of the square, breadcrumbs together with a teaspoon ofsugar. Form a perfectly sealed and nicely rounded dumpling, roll the flour and cook in boiling water for approx 15 minutes (until the dumpling floats to the surface). Meanwhile, melt the butter and fry the Serves: 5 breadcrumbs. Pour over the dumplings and serve. Add extra sugar or honey if required.

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Letters

Australian Slovenian Review is Dear Editor, Dear Editor, distributed free of charge with a print run now in excess of 700 Just dropping a note to tell you what a I have read your Summer '94 issue copies. great publication you are putting out. I and have found it very informative look forward to every edition. and refreshing in style. The variety A number ofreaders have responded of its content makes it all the more by giving a voluntary donation. We I would also like to ask a favour. I am a graduate of 'The University of appealing. I particularly enjoyed would like to thank these readers as each contribution is significant in Melbourne' Conservatorium of Music your "... Epic tale ..." having been the continuation of the ASR. (Bachelor ofMusic). I have received a 3 myself a novice newsletter team month fellowship to work for the ABC member in the last year. at Ultimo - Sydney. My family and I have just recently Ivan's Kitchens I am looking for accomodation / board arrived here from Montreal, with a Slovenian family as I would Canada. As we plan to live in generally feel safer with someone from Penrith Sydney for a couple of years I the Slovenian community. For craftsman quality kitchens, would enjoy receiving your publication on a regular basis. vanities and cabinets Katarina Persic Please add my family to your Ivan Brcar mailing list. 047 21 2010 (All) 047 36 5525 ACCOMODATION Your youth and exuberance are WANTED inspiring and I wish you every board/share for Slovenian girl success in the future. (22 years) from Melbourne for NORTON the period May-July 1995 in Sydney; preferebly near Ultimo. Nada Serle. MANACEMENT Willing to share expenses. Nada, thank you for your SERVICES PTY LTD Will be completing fellowship at encouraging words! Receiving Accountants & Registered Tax the ABC Concerts in Ultimo. letters such as yours continues to inspire the team and helps us see Agents Please phone or write to: that our publication is being enjoyed by some. Perhaps you BILL FERFOLYA Katarina Persic would also like to become involved 7/31 Dorrit Street Ph: 560 4766 Carlton VIC 3053 as you have had some experience in publishing in the past. Think Fax: 564 1808 Ph: (03) 347 1625 after 6:00pm. about it, and in any case - Enjoy 182 Norton Street, Leichhardt your time in Sydney. Ed NSW 2040 Lust Animate Madonna Neck Tasmania RichardGere WillyWilly Projectile Javalin Lacrosse LisaHensley Eskimoes *m|*ujsny pue buioaois NelsonMandela SubZero TonyaHarding uoo ujoq suosuiulmoo Suiai[ jo }S03 BjornAgain Seinfeld Incognito Flatulence

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