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NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 22, 2013, VOLUME 9, NUMBER 42 U.S.­ Slovenia Political- Military Consultations

On November 18, the seventh military-political Photo was taken in December 2012 in during last year’s political consultations with the U.S. consultations between the U.S. and Slovenia were The dialogue focused on facilitating the deployment of a conducted at the U.S. a wide range of political and multinational stabilization force Department of State. Deputy military issues, including shared to after Assistant Secretary of State strategic challenges in the region the conclusion of the Dayton for Political–Military Affairs, and continuation of efforts to Accords. The United States Gregory Kausner, and Director enhance partnerships in security supported Slovenia’s 2004 General for Global Issues and cooperation, peacekeeping, non accession to the North Atlantic Multilateral Political Relations proliferation, and disarmament. Alliance and continues to work at the Slovenian Ministry of Since 1992, the United with the Slovenian military to Foreign Affairs, Ambassador States and the Republic of promote greater cooperation Dragoljuba Benčina, chaired Slovenia have developed and interoperability with NATO the dialogue that was built an impressive track record forces, including in its current on the success of last year’s of cooperation on bilateral, roles as a contributor to both meeting, held on December regional, and global issues. the KFOR mission in Kosovo and 11, 2012, in Ljubljana, Slovenia provided assistance to to the International Security Slovenia. the United States and NATO by Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

Embassy of Slovenia 2410 California Street, NW twitter.com/SLOinUSA Washington, D.C. 20008, USA T: +1 202 386 66 01 E: [email protected] facebook.com/SLOembassyUSA washington.embassy.si Slovenia has also made critical discussed future cooperation in Director General Benčina contributions to international bilateral military and security field. outlined Slovenian foreign peacekeeping efforts. Director General policy priorities and presented Since 1998, the United Ambassador Dragoljuba Slovenian candidacy for States has supported Slovenia’s Benčina also met on the side the United Nations Human development of ITF Enhancing with Acting Assistant Secretary Rights Council for the period Human Security, an organization in the Bureau of Political- 2016–2018. Furthermore, she specializing in mines and weapons Military Affairs, Thomas P. outlined Slovenia’s aspirations destruction and abatement Kelly, and also with Acting for promoting the Responsibility programs. Since 1998, ITF has Assistant Secretary of State for to Protect concept as well as enabled public and private donors International Organizations, presented the invitation to to address lingering threats from Dean Pittman, with Dr. E. the International seminar on landmines, unexploded munitions, William Colglazier, Science Mediation in the Mediterranean, and other post-conflict challenges and Technology Adviser to the which will be hosted by Slovenia such as landmine survivors’ Secretary of State and Director in March 2014. assistance and reducing excess, for Central and Northern (Source: U.S. Department of deteriorating, and potentially at the National Security Council, State Press Release, Slovenian at-risk munitions stockpiles. As Lynette M. Behnke. MFA Press Release) part of the dialogue, both parties In these meetings, EVENTS Young Professionals in Foreign Policy at the Embassy On Wednesday, November 20, the Embassy of Slovenia hosted members and guests of the Young Professionals in Foreign Policy community, which consists of promising young professionals with diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, all of whom are bound together by an interest in addressing global challenges. The young leaders were first addressed by Ambassador Dr. Cerar, who presented Slovenian current foreign policy in the geopolitical context of the country. He pointed out that Slovenia, Ambassador addressed around 40 young professionals. The event was organiized placed at the crossroads of main in cooperation with Ms. Anna Atlaskina and Ms. Elisabeth Polich of YPFP. European cultural and trade routes, gained its independence in geographical position, the country democracy and human rights, are 1991 and less than 15 years later is nowadays also member of the reflected in its foreign and national became a member of EuroAtlantic Alpine Group and, at the same time, security policy. integrations, both the NATO because of its short, but important The ambassador’s address Alliance and the E.U. He stressed share of the Adriatic coast, also was followed by a Q and A session, that Slovenia is a central European a Mediterranean one. All these which led into a comprehensive country, historically linked to the features, together with certain conversation that continued with a Habsburg Empire as well as to the historical facts, pursuit of national reception with Slovenian wine and Western . Because of its interests, but also promotion of culinary delights. NOVEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 2 S-ABA BUSINESS CONFERENCE ‘Slovenia: Business Opportunities for U.S. Companies’

Consul General Žmauc with Ray J. Marvar and Jeninifer Consul General Žmauc and Economic Counselor Gorazd Stueber of the Tucker Ellis LLP. Renčelj with Cleveland City Councilman Michael Polensek.

On November 14, of Manufacturing in America’. a total of 36 companies:22 from 2013, the Slovenian American Raymond Marvar and his Slovenia and 14 from the U.S. Business Association (S-ABA) colleagues from the law firm of Along with the regular held in Cleveland, OH, a business Tucker Ellis LLP followed up with activities planned for promoting conference titled ‘Slovenia: a corporate overview of doing business relations between Business Opportunities for business in the United States. Slovenia and the U.S., SABA plans U.S. Companies’. The goal Two companies that were to hold its 2nd Annual Business of the conference was to already engaged in international Conference in 2014 in the city of promote business relations trade (one of them through Pittsburgh. between American and SABA) gave very informative During the conference, Slovenian companies. With presentations summarizing their Slovenian wines by St. Tomas, over 60 companies from across business ventures. The first, and Črnko and Protner, Laško Slovenia, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, presented by Dr. Zorica Črnjak, beer, and Slovenia Vodka were all Pennysylvania, and New York, outlined the collaboration between promoted by Mr. Emil Gaspari, a it was the very first Slovenian The PoliMat Center of Excellence Slovenian wine and beer importer business conference organized in located in Slovenia and the Austen in New York. the state of Ohio. Bioinnovation Institute, located in The city of Cleveland At the beginning of the the city of Akron, Ohio. The second awarded to the president of SABA, conference, Gorazd Renčelj, example described the partnership Mr. Jože Kokal, a proclamation Economic Counselor at the between Grah Lighting of Slovenia recognizing him for encouraging Slovenian Embassy in Washington and WIRIC Corporation of Detroit, and strengthening business ties DC, spoke about the current Michigan; it was presented by Phil between Cleveland and the Republic economic climate in Slovenia with Warburton, President and General of Slovenia. Additional sponsors special emphasis on privatization. Manager of WIRIC Corp. included SPIRIT Slovenia, the Petra Mitchell, the president and To conclude the Slovenian Consulate in Cleveland, CEO of the company Catalyst conference, Jurček Žmauc, Consul Team NEO, and Tucker Ellis LLC. Connection, based in Pittsburgh, General of the Republic of Slovenia More information about SABA is PA, presented a very interesting in Cleveland, introduced all of the available at: http://www.sloaba. topic, titled ‘The Resurgence members of SABA. This included com/ (Jurček Žmauc, Consul General of the Republic of Slovenia) NOVEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 3 BUSINESS “Luxury Slovenia” Brand Presentation On Friday, November 15, the Embassy of Slovenia, together with the tourist agency Imperial Travel from Slovenia organized a presentation of Luxury Slovenia brand, introducing Slovenia as a luxury tourism destination. In his introductory remarks, Ambassador Dr. Cerar outlined the importance of the tourist sector for Slovenian economy. He emphasized Slovenia’s advantages as a luxury destination: its combination of modern infrastructure along with beautiful and diverse nature and genuine hospitality, which provide sophisticated guests with Duo Drumartica presented music by European composers. unsurpassed luxury. Imperial Travel’s General most recognized partners of location only five minutes from Managing Partner Mattej Valenčič Luxury Slovenia such as the elite the center of Ljubljana. Mr. presented Luxury Slovenia countryside luxury apartment Valenčič also presented Slovenia as a highly accomplished complex Pule Estate, Premium as a hospitable destination for brand which boasts quality, winemaker from Primorska LGBT guests. More information exceptional service and perfect region Kocijančič-Zanut winery about Luxury Slovenia trademark balance between price and and the luxurious G Design can be found at: http://www. top-quality luxury. He outlined Hotel that boasts an excellent luxuryslovenia.eu ANNOUNCEMENT Consular Hours in New York City The consular officer from (Please note the new address!). also visit the embassy website the Embassy of the Republic To schedule an http://washington.embassy. of Slovenia in Washington, appointment, please, fill out the si/ (Consular Affairs, Visas) for DC, will hold consular hours form available at the embassy’s documents required for most and provide consular services website and send it to the consular services. (authentications, certifications, Embassy of Slovenia at vwa@ Please note that the passport applications, etc.) gov.si by December 10, 2013, consular fee must be paid with in New York City on Friday, to allow the embassy enough a money order made out to December 13, at the premises time to verify your data. “Embassy of Slovenia”. Cash, of the Permanent Mission of The embassy will suggest personal checks or credit cards the Republic of Slovenia to the time of your appointment will not be accepted. the United Nations, located and give you further information Due to security reasons, at 630 Third Avenue, 20th on the documentation you prior appointment is needed to Floor, New York, N.Y. 10017 need to bring along. You may enter the premises of the Mission. NOVEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 4 IN MEMORIAM Bogdan Grom The acclaimed Slovenian metropolitan area, including St. painter and sculptor Bogdan Vartan’s Armenian Cathedral Grom passed away on Monday in New York City, St. Thomas’s morning aged 94 at his home in Armenian Church in Tenafly, NJ, Englewood, New Jersey. Born in and the Schulman Chapel in the Devičina, a village near Trieste, to Woods (Congregation Kol Ami) in a Slovenian family, Grom gained White Plains, NY. international acclaim with his In June 2011, Grom was paintings and sculptures, many decorated with the Order of Merit of which can be seen in churches by former President Danilo Türk. and galleries across the world. Two years earlier, the acclaimed Grom’s works are part Slovenian film director, Damjan of permanent exhibitions at the Kozole, made a documentary New York Guggenheim Museum, about him entitled “Bogdan Grom, the White House Art Collection, Portrait of an Artist”. Bogdan Grom next to his sculpture the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Grom was devoted to The Sentinel in front of the Embassy of National Museum in Belgrade and depicting nature in its limitless Slovenia in Washington, D.C. in 2012. the Ljubljana Museum of Modern beauty, patterns and colors. He Art. Born in 1918, Grom studied will be fondly remembered not body of work, covering the period art in Perugia, Venice, Rome and only as a remarkable man and from 1947 to 2008, the series Ljubljana. He travelled a lot and a distinguished artist, but also a “From Trieste Karst to SouthWest lived in Trieste, Prague, Ljubljana, generous friend of the Slovenian Canyons” and the “Winnetou Zagreb, Belgrade, Subotica and embassy in Washington, DC. His Series”, an homage to German Ptuj. He moved to the U.S. in 1957 sculpture, The Sentinel (Straža), author Karl May. and gradually made a name for adorns the entrance of the A memorial service for Mr. himself as an artist. A statue of a embassy and his painting The Grom will be held at the Slovenian panda he made even found its place Document (Dokument) is on St. Cyril’s church in New York, in the Oval Office during Richard permanent display in the lobby for which he created the Way of Nixon’s presidency. Several of his of the premises. The Embassy the Cross, the baptistry and the major architectural installations of Slovenia also hosted in 2009 tabernacle. He will be buried in can be found in the New York a retrospective of his extensive Trieste in April. (Source:STA)

Bogdan Grom also depicted the famous Washingtonian panda. On the photo is official White House Panda Collector Plate issued in 1982. Grom was very attached to Kras region and often depicted this part of Slovenia. NOVEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 5 TOURISM Ormož

The municipality of Ormož Ormož is known for its rich cultural heritage. (Photos: www.Ormož-info.si ) lies in the northeastern part of Slovenia. Located between the The town was first Rudolph of Habsburg granted Drava and Mura rivers, it belongs mentioned as Holermus in a the right to build a castle in to the Prlekija region. The Ormož document dating back to 1273. Ormož to Friderik of Ptuj. natural terrace extending along Due to its strategic importance, After the decline of the Ptuj the Drava river was inhabited it attained municipal rights in Lords in the 15th century, the already around 2100 BC. Here, 1293 and city rights in 1331. At property was owned by various under the hills of Slovenske the time, battles for the eastern noble families. Currently, the gorice, at the crossroads of major border between the Hungarian castle serves as a venue for traffic routes, was woven the rich kingdom and the Salzburg representational purposes history of Ormož. Archeological archdiocese were taking place of the Ormož municipality remains testify to the existence and it is for this reason that and houses the Franc Ksaver of rich building technology and a a fortified castle was erected Meško library, the Ptuj–Ormož vibrant residential, culinary and by the Ptuj nobility to defend Regional Museum, Radio Prlek drinking culture already during the Austria border from the and the Tourist Information the Bronze Age when Ormož Hungarians. Center (TIC). The Ormož Castle was the largest settlement in The construction of the property includes of a number of Eastern Alps. castle dates back to 1278 when barns, built throughout different periods starting with the 18th century. The complex currently houses several exhibitions, including the Medieval Statutes from the Ormož area and a thematic presentation of the Ormož late-Bronze Age and Iron Age pottery (11th to 1st century BC). The Ormož Castle Park contains a number of exotic trees. Due to its design and variety, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens in Slovenia and one of the most exceptionally well-preserved Slovene castle parks. The town, separated View of Kerenčič Square in Ormož. (Photo credit: Ciril Ambrož)

NOVEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 6 located at the eastern edge of the Ormož Town Square. The oldest frescoes in the church originated in the mid-14th century, while the expressive composition of the Last Judgment was created on the wall of the triumphal arch in 1630. There is a significant painting on the north side of the nave, where 48 scenes from the Old and New Testaments are depicted in four rows. Another The area around Ormož is known for beautiful terraced vineyards. interesting part of the Ormož Franciscan monastery interior from the castle by walls in (1487), Turks (1532), rebel is the baptismal font from the the Middle Ages, continued Hungarian farmers (1605) 16th century. to develop independently. To and the Kruci (Cruciati, 1704). The area around honor Ptuj’s Lord Friderik, who A more peaceful era for its Ormož is known for beautiful granted to it city rights, the town development began only in the terraced vineyards, viticultural was renamed Friedau, however, second half of the 18th century. traditions, pristine nature, good the previous name Holermus In addition to their general town food, superb wines, pumpkin- was not completely forgotten. privileges, the townsfolk were seed oil and rich cultural and Through centuries of phonetic also allowed to organize annual ethnological heritage The changes the name of the town fairs. This tradition has been hillsides of Ormoške gorice are developed into the current name preserved to the present day; home to vintage wines such as of Ormož. St. Jakob’s Fair continues to ‘laški rizling’ (Welschriesling), The town was often take place on Monday after St. ‘šipon’ (Furmint), sauvignon, devastated by fires and was Jakob’s Sunday, St. Jakob being ‘traminec’ (Traminer), ‘beli pinot’ ravaged by the Hungarians the patron of the parish church, (Pinot blanc), chardonnay and ‘renski rizling’ (Rhine Riesling). A number of traditional wine cellars stand on the hills surrounding Ormož, typically wooden, straw-covered, with their origin dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The locals call such wine cellars ‘klečaje’ (‘klečaja’ in singular). Vineyard cottages, wine shops, taverns and tourist farms located in the area offer excellent wine and diverse culinary delights, and are included in the Ormož Wine Route, which is itself suitable for biking, horseback riding, carriage rides and for long walks on well-marked trails. For more information on visiting Ormož see: www.Ormož-info.si Each year, summer evenings are enriched by a series of events in the courtyard or www.slovenia.info/Ormož of the Ormož Castle, including theatre shows, concerts, and workshops. NOVEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 7 TO DO LIST

Concert by Mak Grgić and Nejc Kuhar at the National Gallery of Art The Seventy-Second Season of Concerts 2013–2014 in the National Gallery of Art will feature Slovenian guitarists Mak Grgić and Nejc Kuhar. Music by J.S. Bach and Slovenian composers.

When: November 24 at 6:30 p.m. Where: West Building, West Garden Court, The National Gallery of Art, located on the National Mall between 3rd and 9th Streets NW along Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC. Admission free. More information: http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/calendar/concerts/seventy-second/nov- 24-2013.html

Slovenian film DUAL at the 26th Annual AFI – EU Film Festival in Silver Spring Now in its 26th year, the AFI European Union Film Showcase continues its tradition of bringing the best in European cinema to Washington audiences. This year’s selection of more than 50 films includes award-winners, international festival favorites, local box-office hits and debut works by promising new talents, plus many countries’ official Oscar® submissions for Best Foreign Language Film. Slovenia will be represented by the film The Dual (Dvojina). “A delicately crafted charmer of a film, for a while Nejc Gazvoda’s colorful, funny and insightful film feels like a lesbian equivalent of BEFORE SUNSET as two young women wander the warm nighttime streets of Ljubljana, talking, having fun and gradually coming under each other’s spell.” –Mark Adams, Screen Daily. Synopsis: Iben is a free spirited Dane, stopping through Slovenia on the way to a holiday in Greece. When her flight is delayed, she crosses paths with Tina, the straitlaced bus driver who picks her up at the airport. As the two spend the evening together, sparks begin to fly. Official Selection, 2013 Karlovy Vary Film Festival. DIR/SCR Nejc Gazvoda; SCR Janez Lapajne; PROD Aleš Pavlin, Andrej Štritof. Slovenia/Croatia/Denmark, 2013, color, 102 min. In Slovenian and Danish with English subtitles. NOT RATED When: Saturday, December 14 at 11:00 a.m.; Monday, December16 at 9:45 p.m. Where: AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910 More information: http://www.afi.com/silver/eushowcase/

NOVEMBER 22, 2013, PAGE 8 Composer Dušan Bavdek and Academia Ljubljana at the Phillips Collection In 2009, The Phillips Collection joined forces with embassies in Washington to create a unique concert series in which leading European composers introduce their works with performers they select. The series is co-sponsored by The Phillips Collection and the George Washington University. Now in its fifth season, this year the opening Leading European Composers concert features the music of Slovenian composer Dušan Bavdek, performed by musicians from the Academy of Music in Ljubljana. Where: The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009 When: Thursday, December 12 at 6:30 p.m. More information and tickets: http://www.phillipscollection.org/events/2013-12-12-lec-bavdek. aspx

Mi Smo Mi Concert with guest performance by Fantje na vasi When: Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. Where: Breen Performing Art Center, Campus of St. Ignatius High School, 1911 West 30th St., Cleveland, OH 44113 (at the intersection of Lorain and W 30th, located 2 blocks West of the West Side Market). Free and secure parking available south of Lorain Avenue adjacent to the Breen Center. Tickets available at the door or from members Adults: $ 15.00 Students: $ 5.00 For more details call: (440) 463-8121

Thanksgiving Polka Party Weekend in Cleveland, OH The National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum presents the 50th Annual Thanksgiving Polka Party Weekend at the Downtown Marriott Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio, November 28, 29 and 30, 2013. The Polka Hall of Fame annual Awards Show takes place Saturday, November 30, at Euclid Auditorium in Euclid, Ohio. For more information visit http://www.polkafame.com/ or contact Joe Valencic at javalencic@ yahoo.com or (216) 496-4646.

Ansambel Saša Avsenika in Cleveland, OH Slovenska Pristava, Slovenian National Home and The Slovenian Hour present the grandson of the legendary Slavko Avsenik, who continues the Avsenik tradition. In February, Sašo Avsenik will introduce his sound to North America; however, his Cleveland, OH, concert will be the only one in the U.S. When: Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. Where: The Slovenian National Home, 6417 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH Tickets: (440)537-1941 $20 pre-sale | $25 at the door | students $10.

The weekly Embassy Newsletter, produced by the Embassy of Slovenia in Washington, is available on: www.washington.embassy.si. Send us your comments or request for a subscription on: [email protected], Editor: Nuška Zakrajšek

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