Financial Support Consular for Slovenians Hours To Do List Abroad in NYC page 2 > page 3 > page 6 >
NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 11, 2013, VOLUME 9, NUMBER 1 Pahor Sworn in as the 4th President of Slovenia
Borut Pahor was December 23, 2012, when the judges of the Constitutional inaugurated as the new he was received with military Court, promulgating laws, and President of the Republic honors at the presidential palace appointing ambassadors at the of Slovenia in a ceremony in Ljubljana. government’s proposals. in the National Assembly In the highest elective Subsequent legislation has on Saturday, December 22. offi ce in the country, he slightly expanded these He pledged to uphold the succeeded Milan Kučan (1992 powers, giving the president constitutional order and 2002), Janez Drnovšek (2002 the authority to nominate work for the good of the 2007) and Danilo Türk (2007 key offi ce holders such as the country to the best of his 2012). central bank governor, human abilities. The 1991 Constitution rights ombudsman, Court of The newly elected gives the president limited Audit president, information President Borut Pahor took over powers, including calling general Commissioner, and the members the duties from his predecessor, elections, naming the prime of the Commission for the Dr. Danilo Türk, on Sunday, minister designate, nominating Prevention of Corruption.
Embassy of Slovenia 2410 California Street, NW twitter.com/SLOembassyUSA Washington, D.C. 20008, USA T: +1 202 386 66 01 E: [email protected] facebook.com/SLOembassyUSA washington.embassy.si CALL FOR APPLICATIONS Government Offi ce For Slovenians Abroad Public Invita tions For Tenders For Financial Support In The Year 2013 neighboring countries, as well as those of other Slovenians living abroad. Also, priority is given to projects of cross-border cooperation, economic and scientifi c development, and youth issues. Public Invitations for Applications grant eligibility to apply for fi nancial support to applicants who are individuals or legal entities located outside of the Republic of Slovenia, as well as those located in the Republic of Slovenia, whose activities in the Republic of Slovenia aim to connect and care for Slovenians abroad. The documentation for Based on the Act on (2) Area B: Financial support the above mentioned Public Relations between the Republic in 2013 for Slovenians living Invitations for Applications of Slovenia and Slovenians abroad. is available on the website abroad (Offi cial Journal of the Both Public Invitations of the Government Offi ce for Republic of Slovenia, no. 43/06, for Applications aim to stimulate Slovenians Abroad, which can 76/10) and Government Decree activities among Slovenians be found at http://www.uszs. on the granting of fi nancial living abroad, that: gov.si/. support for maintenance and Interested parties can development of the Slovene consolidate and maintain also obtain the documentation identity outside of the Republic their national, linguistic and in person at the Offi ce’s of Slovenia (Offi cial Journal of cultural identity headquarters on weekdays the Republic of Slovenia, no. between 9:00 and 14:00 hours, 139/2006),the Government pave the way for and at any of the Republic Offi ce of the Republic of their interaction and mutual of Slovenia’s Embassies or Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad connection Consulates General, during their published two Public Invitations offi ce hours. for Applications on December enable them to maintain The deadline for fi ling 28, 2012. their links with the Republic of the applications is up to and Public Invitations for Slovenia including February 2, 2013. Applications cover: For any additional (1) Area A: Financial support enable the maintenance clarifi cations and information, in 2013 for Slovenian of the structures and activities please contact the Government autochthonous national of Slovenian autochthonous Offi ce for Slovenians Abroad via community in the neighboring national community in email: [email protected] countries; and JANUARY 11, 2013, PAGE 2 ANNOUNCEMENT Consular Hours in New York City The consular offi cer at the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Washington, DC, will be holding consular hours and providing consular services (authentications, certifi cations, passport applications, etc.) in New York City on Friday, February 1, 2013, at the premises of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Slovenia to the United Nations, located at 600 Third Avenue, 24th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10016. However, visa and residence permit applications can only be submitted in Washington, DC. The embassy will set the required documents for most To schedule an time of your appointment and consular services. appointment on February 1, give you further information Due to security please send an e mail to the on the documentation you reasons, persons without an Embassy of Slovenia at vwa@ need to bring. You may also appointment will not be able gov.si . Please, list your full visit the embassy website to enter the premises of the name, contact information and http://washington.embassy. mission. consular service requested. si/ (Consular Affairs, Visas) for
EMBASSY
Welcome to the New Economic Counselor
The Embassy of Slovenia good luck in his endeavors is delighted to announce an to strengthen the economic addition to its staff. We want cooperation between the two to welcome Mr. Gorazd Renčelj, countries as we fi rmly hope who took the post of Economic that together we will be a Counselor starting Monday, compatible team, able to January 7. realize our professional and Mr. Renčelj, who was personal goals. previously posted as an economic counselor at the Slovenian Embassy in London, Mr. Gorazd Renčelj, U.K., has been appointed Economic Couselor at the Embassy of for four years. We wish him Slovenia in Washington, D.C.
JANUARY 11, 2013, PAGE 3 TOURISM Ski Resorts in Slovenia, part 1
are perfect for spending winter vacations with friends and family or simply for outdoor relaxation. Cross country skiers also will fi nd their winter paradise here: between alpine huts Ribniška koča on Ribniško Pohorje and Grmovškov dom on Kope there are nearly 10 miles of well prepared cross country tracks with a beautiful view of the valleys and the mountain peaks of Peca, Raduha and Savinjske Alpe. Kope also serves as a perfect place for snowboarding, ski trekking, ski schools, and snow terraces. To make the stay Kope and Robniško Pohorje. on Kope more exciting, one can Mariborsko Pohorje night sledding, treasure hunting, also go sledding and walking and numerous entertainment through the plains covered with snow and surrounded by pine Mariborsko Pohorje is shows. forests. Slovenia’s biggest ski center, with A special ski pass On Ribnica na Pohorju, more than 25 miles of ski slopes purchased for Mariborsko one can night ski on the FIS trail at altitudes ranging from 1060 Pohorje is also valid for some and on the new medium diffi cult to 4350 feet. The slopes, which other ski centers in Slovenia, trail. The remodeled Sitar home, are connected by 5 chairlifts, 16 namely Ribniško Pohorje, Kope, with apartments, mountain ski lifts, and by a gondola, are and Kranjska Gora. wellness and a wine shop, suitable for skiers of all ages and Back in 1964, Pohorje and ensures a fi rst class stay, while skill levels. Maribor hosted the fi rst ladies’ the Ribnica apartment complex Despite the tourist offer, alpine skiing World Cup, which is, pampers its guests with 4 star the diverse Pohorje has managed thanks to excellent organization apartments, a restaurant and a to preserve all its splendor, and a great atmosphere created seminar room. and numerous natural and by several thousand fans, fi rmly cultural sights and ethnological anchored at the top of the world Kranjska Gora particulars. Mariborsko Pohorje ski events still today. This year also offers 16 miles of cross the event will be held on the A summer and winter country skiing courses, as weekend of January 26. tourist resort in northwestern well as fi rst class wellness spa Slovenia near the borders with centers and other special winter Kope and Ribniško Austria and Italy, Kranjska Gora experiences, such as swinging Pohorje touches Triglav National Park to on a giant swing, offering a the south. The imposing peaks of view of the second largest city Ski resorts in the western the Julian Alps, the vast forests in Slovenia – Maribor, winter part of Pohorje – Kope, Ribniška stretching from Mojstrana to horseback riding, snowshoeing, koča and Ribnica na Pohorju – Rateče, and the ski areas among JANUARY 11, 2013, PAGE 4 them attract hikers, alpinists, bicyclists, and skiers. The ski slopes are appropriate for all types of skiers, with a capacity of 21,400 skiers per hour. Beginners and recreational skiers can explore the terrain in Kranjska Gora, Martuljek and Planica, whereas the trail in Podkoren is more appropriate for skilled skiers. The best skiers in the world compete annually on this run for the Vitranc Trophy in World Cup men’s giant slalom and slalom races. The Kranjska Gora ski lifts have the longest history Kranjska Gora. in Slovenia. They are easily they offer favorable weather and rental, high quality ski schools, reached since they are located snow conditions. Additionally, a competition polygon, a snow near international highways and, they offer night skiing, sledding, beach with a diverse culinary because of their altitude (the free outdoor kindergarten, offer, ski mountaineering, and lower station lies at 2667 feet), a snow park, ski equipment cross country ski trails. BUSINESS Slovenia with New “SPIRIT” On January 1, 2013, an Slovenian Tourist Board (STO), innovative concept for promoting and the Slovenian Technology Slovenia was initiated within the Agency (TIA). framework of the new “SPIRIT” Integration represents agency, tasked with promoting the ambition of the Government Slovenia as a tourist destination, Slovenia as an investment of the Republic of Slovenia in developing entrepreneurship, and tourism destination, and the pursuit of rationalization and promoting innovation, advancing domestic enterprise of the functioning of public technological development, and technological development. administration, as well as foreign investments and In late October, the reorganization to ensure the internationalization of government adopted a decision more consistent, transparent companies. to establish the Slovenian Public and targeted support for the SPIRIT Slovenia Agency for Entrepreneurship, Slovenian economy, while operates within the framework Innovation, Development, improving its competitiveness. of the Ministry of Economic Investment, and Tourism, or The mandate of SPIRIT Development and Technology. SPIRIT Slovenia. The new Slovenia is to independently The fi rst head of the new agency agency took over the duties perform regulatory, is Boštjan Skalar, who was performed by three existing professional and developmental appointed by the government as agencies: the Public Agency activities aimed at boosting an interim director for a period of the Republic of Slovenia for competitiveness, taking of up to six months, after which Entrepreneurship and Foreign responsibility for promoting the a full time director is to be Investments (JAPTI), the Slovenian economy, promoting appointed.
JANUARY 11, 2013, PAGE 5 TO DO LIST
Concert of the 4 Saxess Saxophone Quartet in NYC
The renowned Slovenian musicians Lev Pupis, Tomislav Žužak, Primož Fleischman, and Dejan Prešiček will play compositions by Slovenian and American composers as well as arrangements based on Slovenian folk songs. On the occasion of the Slovenian Cultural Day, the opening remarks will be given by the Ambassador of Slovenia, Roman Kirn. When: Sunday, January 27, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Where: St. Cyril Parish at 62 St. Marks Pl. (East Village), New York, NY 10003 Admission free.
SlovenianSl ov en ia n DeDesignersi gner SSanjaan ja GGrcićrc ić presepresentsnt s FiFirmarm a in NNYCYC
Firma by Sanja style is described as Street Couture: instinctive, innovative and alternative, with clever detailing and a slight sporty touch. Firma builds new concepts of designing clothes out of a wide range of tailoring and cutting knowledge. Firma by Sanja made its fi rst presentation in RSPOP up in 2011 and is coming back to NYC with the collection Inside Straight. In the meantime, Sanja opened in Ljubljana her store Koda 386 (international dial code for Slovenia), which was proclaimed by The New York Times Travel as one of the best designers’ corners in town: http:// www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2012/11/18/travel/18Ljubljana 6.html. When: January 14 31, M F at 11 a.m. 8 p.m., SAT noon 7 p.m. Where: 501 Lexington Ave. at the Roger Smith Hotel Opening reception: Tuesday, January 15 at 6 p.m. More information: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Firma Ljubljana by Sanja Grcic/179198485497176
Slovenian Cultural Evening at the Embassy of Slovenia Through food, drink, a short fi lm that highlights the scenery, culture and people of Slovenia, and live music by the Slovenian saxophone quartet, 4 Saxess, experience the rich Slovenian culture. In cooperation with Things To Do, Inc. – Young Professional Cultural Society. When: Thursday, January 24, 2013, at 7:15 p.m. 9:30 p.m. Where: Embassy of Slovenia, 2410 California Street, NW, Washington DC 20008 Admission: $45.00 More information and registration: http://www.thingstododc.com/
Beyond by Michael Benson A spectacular photography exhibition of images from space. When: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Where: Embassy of Slovenia, 2410 California Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008 More information about the work of Michael Benson on: http://www.kinetikonpictures.com/
SlovenSki Program for 2013 Schedule: February: 1 3, 2013, SlovenSki weekend Windham, NY February 15 23, 2013, SlovenSki trip to 3 Vallees, France March 18 24, 2013, Nastar Nationals Aspen/Snowmass (qualifi ed racers) April 1 7, 2013, SlovenSki week in Sun Valley, ID More information and application form: John F Kamin, 61 32 75th Place, Middle Village, NY 11379, phone: (718) 424 2711, email: [email protected]
The weeklyweekly EEmbassymbassy NeNewsletter,wsletter, prproducedoduced by the EEmbassymbassy of SlSloveniaovenia in WaWashington,shington, is avavailableailable oon:n: wwwwww.washington.embassy.si..washington.embassy.si. Send us your comments or request for a subscription on: [email protected], Editor: Nuška Zakrajšek
JANUARY 11, 2013, PAGE 6