Year 2012 Athlete Maribor at of Bids Farewell the Embassy Year 2013 as ECC page 2 6 > page 7 > page 7 & 8 >
NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 21, 2012, VOLUME 8, NUMBER 48 Slovenia’s Independence and Unity Day
On December The declaration of basis for the future Slovenian 26, Slovenia celebrates independence was a culmination constitution. Independence and Unity of democratic simmering that In January 1990, the Day, commemorating the started in the 1980s with the fi rst multi party elections proclamation of the results of rise of the civil society. One of were called and the Slovenian the independence plebiscite the keystones on Slovenia’s delegation to the Yugoslav in 1990. On December 23, path to independence was the Communist Party congress 1990, 93.2% of eligible publication, in February 1987, of walked out after its proposals voters came to the polls to the 57th volume of the journal for political liberalization were declare with a 95% majority Nova revija, in which Slovenian voted down. At the April 1990 that Slovenia had six months intellectuals made the case for elections, the Democratic after the plebiscite to independence. A year after the Opposition of Slovenia (DEMOS) conduct disassociation talks 57th volume of Nova revija, the won the majority on a pro with the other Yugoslav Slovenian Writers’ Association independence platform and republics and persuade and the Sociology Society put formed a government led by foreign countries to grant forward a “writers’ constitution”, Prime Minister Lojze Peterle. recognition to the new state. which would form an important Among the goals set down
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 by DEMOS was the creation of resolve for independence by of law, and a social state based on creation of the state based on fi ghting off an attack by Yugoslav respect for human dignity. the rule of law and a market forces. Germany, Sweden, and economy. Along with Peterle, the By October 25, 1991, the Iceland were the fi rst West top three leaders at the time also Yugoslav army pulled all of its European countries to recognize included Milan Kučan, the last soldiers and gear out of Slovenia. Slovenia’s independence 21 head of the Slovenian Communist Even before the last Yugoslav years ago, on December 19, Party, who was elected the chair soldier left Slovenian soil, Slovenia 1991, triggering a process that of the collective presidency of the introduced its own currency, eventually led to the country’s Republic of Slovenia, and France the tolar, and on December 23, membership in the United Bučar as speaker of the assembly. 1991, exactly one year after the Nations. Germany’s and Sweden’s On June 25, 1991 Slovenia referendum which is referred to recognition took effect on January passed the Constitutional Charter as the plebiscite the parliament 19, 1992, when Slovenia was on Sovereignty and Independence, adopted the Constitution of the recognized by the then European with which it gained statehood Republic of Slovenia, its fi rst Community, the precursor of for the fi rst time in its history. A constitution as an independent today’s European Union. The ceremony was held in Republic and democratic state. fi rst overseas countries to follow Square in front of the Parliament As the country’s primary suit were Canada and Australia, House in Ljubljana, at which legal document, the Constitution respectively, on January 15 and 16. Kučan uttered the legendary lays the foundations of state That step was taken by the United words that turned out to be authority and the status of States on April 7, 1992. Slovenia most synonymous with Slovenia’s individuals in the Republic was fully recognized as a member independence: “Today dreams are of Slovenia. It guarantees a of the international community on allowed, tomorrow is a new day.” democratic political system with May 22, 1992, when it became In the ensuing days, the fl edgling a parliamentary form of state the 176th member of the United state was forced to confi rm its authority, a state governed by rule Nations. OVERVIEW A Look Back At Year 2012 at the Embassy We are fast approaching the end of yet another remarkable year at the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Washington. 2012 was marked by the twentieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Slovenia. It has seen many stirring events and fascinating people at the embassy, which give us the impetus for enriching our activities year after year. As mentioned in the introduction, it was also a Panel discussion Afganistan: Moving forward. The event was moderated by the Presi commemorative year. On the dent of the Middle East Institute, and attended by more than 100 eminent guests. occasion of the 20th anniversary Panelists at the discussion were Ambassador at Large for Global Women’s Issues of the recognition of country’s Melanne Verveer of the U.S. Department of State, Afghan Ambassador to the U.S. Eklil Hakimi, and Mr. Larry Sampler, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Of independence by the United fi ce of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs at the USAID. DECEMBER 21, 2012, PAGE 2 States, the Embassy of Slovenia together with the Embassy of Croatia hosted a concert of the Zagreb Saxophone Quartet in March. In June, the embassy held a reception celebrating the Slovenian National Day, Slovenian Armed Forces Day, and 20 years of U.S.–Slovenian diplomatic relations, giving recognition to all the Slovenes in the U.S. who actively helped Slovenia on its pathway to independence as well as gave their support and dedicated their efforts to the process of establishing relations between the two countries. Remarks by Slovenian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Senčar at the On this occasion, reception on the occasion of the Slovenian National Day. Ambassador Kirn also opened two exhibitions: one featuring the year, our embassy in February with IRD (International Relief the artists Meta Zobec Novak of marked the Slovenian Culture & Development), also as an Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Gorazd Day by hosting a reception, introductory event to the opening Jordan of Maribor, Slovenia, Toni where attendees enjoyed of an exhibition “Afghanistan: Rash of Kirtland, Ohio, and Lynn Slovenian short fi lm screenings (Un)Ordinary Lives” by Slovenian Miller of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. The featuring The Things We’ve photographer Manca Juvan. In second exhibition featured the Never Done Together, Vučko, 2012, the exhibit was displayed recognized Slovenian sculptor and The Visit. Shortly thereafter, also in the State Capitol Building Mr. Jiri Kočica. on February 15, we hosted a in Denver, Colorado, and MC The year 2012 was rich panel discussion “Afghanistan: Gallery in New York. with cultural events. Starting off Moving Forward” in cooperation Later in February, we had the pleasure of hosting a NCIV (National Council of International Visitors) reception, where the guests enjoyed an outstanding performance by the Slovenian musician, Mr. Matej Grahek, solo fl autist of the Slovenian Philharmonic. Moreover, in February, the embassy took part at the Catholic University of America (CUA) International Bazaar. In March, the embassy participated in La Grande Fête de la Francophonie, a highlight event of the month of francophone celebration. On Tuesday, April 17, 2012, the Embassy of Slovenia donated to the U.S. Library EU Open House Event at the Slovenian Embassy. DECEMBER 21, 2012, PAGE 3 of Congress three volumes of the Encyclopedia of Slovenia missing from its collections. In conjunction with The Museum of Architecture and Design from Ljubljana (MAO), ARK Institute and the Washington Chapter of American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Washington organized a presentation of a project titled Small and Smart, featuring a visual narrative of recent Slovenian architectural projects and lectures by acknowledged Slovenian experts in the fi eld of architecture. The embassy also Slovenia at International Children’s Festival in Ronald Reagan Building. hosted The National History Bee and Bowl competition. Culture 2012, listen to the music for Diplomats in the Ronald As traditionally in May, performed by ArtVento Quintet, Reagan Building. At the end of the Embassy of Slovenia or talk with the friendliest staff May, Deputy Chief of Mission participated in the Annual E.U about history, economy, and Ondina Blokar Drobič, presented Embassies’ Open House Day and politics of Slovenia. A day before poetry by Tomaž Šalamun at opened its doors to more than the Open House event, the the 7th Small Nations’ Poetry 2000 people during E.U. week. Embassy of Slovenia together Reading. Guests had an opportunity to with professionals in the city In July, Reform, Revolt taste the great Slovenian cuisine hosted a Slovenia cultural and Revolution in Egypt and the and wine, to see how potica evening. Arab World’ event was organized and jabolčni zavitek pastries are In May, the Slovenian by the Slovenian Embassy in made, admire Slovenian crystal Embassy also participated in cooperation with the Women’s and the exhibition of sculpture the 6th International Children’s Foreign Policy Group. by Lučka Koščak, learn about Festival, hosted by Meridian On October 31, the Maribor – the European Capital of International Center and THIS Embassy of Slovenia, in collaboration with The Embassy Series, organized an evening with screening one of the fi nest silent fi lms, Sunrise: A Tale of Two Humans, accompanied live by the Slovenian pianist and composer Andrej Goričar with his own music. Mr. Goričar also performed in February at the West End Cinema in Washington, as well as in Annapolis, MD, and Salisbury, MD, accompanying with his music the fi rst Slovenian feature fi lm, In The Realm of the Goldenhorn. Vlado Kreslin performed Colorado National Guard visiting the Embassy. at the Embassy of Slovenia in
DECEMBER 21, 2012, PAGE 4 gave the beginner level class of Slovene; and The European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO) tour, [n which three young Slovenian musicians joined this unique orchestra playing in the Kennedy Center. For the fi fth consecutive year, the European embassies in Washington joined in September to celebrate the “Euro Night”. Slovenia, among other countries, showcased its culture and culinary specialties. Slovenian FRU FRU Puppet Theatre performed in a month long Euro Kids Festival, one of Vlado Kreslin at the Kennedy center Millennium Stage. the country’s largest performing arts festivals for children. The Washington on November 20, with 5th grade students of the theater presented the puppet 201, in an evening of poetry Ross Elementary School. The show Videk’s New Shirt, reading combined with Kreslin’s embassy was also part of E.U. adapted after an old Slovenian distinctive music, highlighting Educational Outreach program story by writer Fran Levstik. As Kreslin’s new book of poetry, Diplomats to Schools. part of the AFI (American Film titled Instead of Whom Does Within the EUNIC Institute)–E.U. Film Showcase the Flower Bloom (Namesto (European Union National Festival, Slovenian fi lm Bread koga roža cveti). The day after, Institutes for Culture) and Circuses (Kruha in Iger) was Vlado Kreslin held a concert at Washington cluster, the Embassy screened in AFI Silver Spring the Kennedy Center Millenium of Slovenia participated in Theatre. Stage, attended by several several projects: Eurovision Several groups of hundred listeners. 2012 Song Contest gathering; both Slovenian and American In March and in November, the European Conversation students visited the embassy a group of keen and enthusiastic Club, where Mr. Bernard Pesjak throughout the year, namely, travelers and teachers from Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively, visited the Slovenian Embassy within the Cultural Immersion Experiences, organized by World Artists’ Experiences organization, where they attended a presentation about Slovenia from the cultural, historical, touristic, economical and educational aspect. On Sunday, December 9, the alumni of The National Capital Area Chapter (NCAC) of the Fulbright Association were welcomed at the Slovenian Embassy. Slovenia for the third year participated in tne Embassy Adoption program, working Consultations of honorary and general consuls. DECEMBER 21, 2012, PAGE 5 students from the Faculty of Law at the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the University of Ljubljana, and Kent State University from Kirkland, Ohio. In addition to students, Ambassador Kirn was privileged to welcome at the embassy other distinguished guests, such as the delegation of members of the joint staff of Colorado National Guard with Major General H. Michael Edwards and Adjutant General of Colorado, Colonel Stuart K. Archer, and Lieutenant Ambassador Kirn at the Georgetown University. General Frank Gorenc. As traditionally on the fi rst overture to the consultations, School of Foreign Service; Friday of October, the Embassy the opening of “Beyond”, University of North Carolina; of Slovenia hosted the annual a spectacular photography Lehigh University; American meeting of general and honorary exhibition of images from space University; and the International consuls of the Republic of by Michael Benson, was held at Symposium on Cultural Slovenia in the United States and the embassy. Diplomacy in Washington. Mexico to express appreciation In 2012, the Ambassador Moreover, Ambassador Kirn paid for their endeavors to strengthen of Slovenia to the U.S., Roman visits to North Carolina, Ohio, economic, scientifi c, educational Kirn, held lectures at the Turkic Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York, and cultural relations between American Alliance in Washington; Michigan, Colorado, California, the two countries As an Georgetown University and Mexico. This year, we also bad farewell to some of our dear colleagues. Diplomats Ms. Maša Šiftar de Arzu, Ms. Mateja Kavaš and Mr. Andrej Medica ended their turn at the Slovenian Embassy in Washington, while Ms. Nina Aguilar, Ambassador’s Assistant, concluded her work at the embassy after 11 years. On the other hand, the embassy’s family was enriched by Ms. Petra Langerholc and Ms. Borut Blaj. Moreover, as a result of the diffi cult fi nancial and economic situation in Slovenia, the closure of the Consulate Ambassador Kirn addressing guests of Detroit Economic Club during his visit General of Slovenia in New in Michigan, where he opened a new Honorary Consulate, headed by the York resulted in the Embassy of former U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia and a respectable businessman, Yousif B. Slovenia in Washington taking Ghafari. over its duties. DECEMBER 21, 2012, PAGE 6 SPORTS NHL Star Kopitar, Judoka Žolnir Win Athlete of Year Honours National Hockey League star Anže Kopitar and Olympic gold medal winning judoka Urška Žolnir were named Slovenian Athletes of the Year for 2012 at a ceremony in Ljubljana on Thursday, December 20. Kopitar and Žolnir were selected as the nation’s best male and female athletes by Slovenian sports writers in a vote held in December by the Sports’ Writers Association of Slovenia (DŠNS). The pair were conferred Los Angeles Kings star Anže Kopitar. the awards at a ceremony held Rajmond Debevec, who won of three time winner, skier Tina annually by the DŠNS to honour bronze in London, came in third Maze (286) and climber Mina Slovenia’s top sporting achievers with 55 votes. Markovič (72). in the past year. Like for Kopitar, this is Meanwhile, rowing duo The 25 year old Kopitar, also the fi rst Athlete of the Iztok Čop and Luka Špik, who who was a key member of Year honours for the 31 year won bronze in the double sculls the Stanley Cup winning Los old Žolnir, who tallied 344 in London, were awarded for the Angeles Kings outfi t earlier in the votes from the sports writers. Best Team of the Year. The DŠNS year, beat out hammer thrower The judoka, who was close to also conferred a special award Primož Kozmus, a silver medalist retirement three years ago after to paralympic shooter Franček at the London Olympics, in the undergoing operations to both Gorazd Tiršek, who took silver voting 261 to 182 to become her knees only to come back in in the London Games. (Source: the fi rst ever athlete in a team style in London, fi nished ahead STA) sport to win the award. Shooter OVERVIEW Maribor Bids Farewell as European Capital of Culture 2012
More than two million Marseilles and Slovakia’s Murska Sobota, Velenje, Slovenj visitors attended the 5,230 Košice. Despite the offi cial Gradec and Ptuj were in the events organized as part of closing ceremony, exhibitions spotlight for the entire year of the Maribor European Culture and several other events will 2012, hosting various concerts, Capital 2012 project. The continue to be held as part of literary events, fashion shows, project, in which more than 500 the culture capital project until workshops, projections and institutions participated and the end of the year. Portugal’s exhibitions. The prestigious which defi nitely left a lasting Guimaraes, which held the title title of the “European Capital positive mark on the city, ended alongside Maribor, is holding the of Culture” gave the second with a special celebration on closing ceremony on December largest city in Slovenia an Saturday, December 15 evening 21. exceptional chance to become in Narodni dom, when the title Maribor and its fi ve more widely recognized. The was handed on to France’s partner towns Novo Mesto, project, which began in Athens DECEMBER 21, 2012, PAGE 7 in 1985, is a key driving force of development in the city and the region. The concept seeks to promote the richness and diversity of European culture, and encourage mutual understanding and a shared European identity. Slovenia was picked for the project along with Portugal’s Guimaraes by the European Parliament in 2005. The organizers managed to set up a number of events. Some of the highlights were: Maribor Festival, Mars festival, Tomaž Pandur’s War and Peace, was also dedicated to cultural stays recorded by the Maribor the Black Masks Opera, written by embassies, which presented Tourism Association between Slovenia’s most acclaimed avant European and other countries January and November showing garde composer Marij Kogoj, an around the world. a 20% year on year increase. exhibition from London’s Tate The events in Maribor In November alone, overnight Gallery, the International Book and other cities that co hosted stays were up by 92%, with Fair, the House of Literature, and the project had a positive effect 81% of the fi gure accounted for House of Science. A special part on tourism, with overnight by foreign visitors. SREČNO
Season’s Greetings and Best Wishes for a Prosperous New Year 2013
Embassy of Slovenia
Ambassador
Ljubljana, Slovenia ANNOUNCEMENT The next issue of the Slovenian Embassy Newsletter will be published on Friday, January 11, 2013.
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
DECEMBER 21, 2012, PAGE 8