DECEMBER 21, 2012, VOLUME 8, NUMBER 48 Slovenia’s

NEWSLETTERDECEMBER 21, 2012, VOLUME 8, NUMBER 48

Year 2012 atthe Embassypage 2 - 6 >

Athlete of Year 2013 page 7 >

Maribor Bids Farewell as ECCpage 7 & 8 >

Embassy of Slovenia2410 California Street, NWWashington, D.C. 20008, USAT: +1 202 386 66 01E: [email protected]

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The declaration of independence was a culmination of democratic simmering that started in the 1980s with the rise of the civil society. One of the keystones on Slovenia’s path to independence was the publication, in February 1987, of the 57th volume of the journal Nova revija, in which Slovenian intellectuals made the case for independence. A year after the 57th volume of Nova revija, the Slovenian Writers’ Association and the Sociology Society put forward a “writers’ constitution”, which would form an important

basis for the future Slovenian constitution. In January 1990, the fi rst multi-party elections were called and the Slovenian delegation to the Yugoslav Communist Party congress walked out after its proposals for political liberalization were voted down. At the April 1990 elections, the Democratic Opposition of Slovenia (DEMOS) won the majority on a pro-independence platform and formed a government led by Prime Minister Lojze Peterle. Among the goals set down

On December 26, Slovenia celebrates Independence and Unity Day, commemorating the proclamation of the results of the independence plebiscite in 1990. On December 23, 1990, 93.2% of eligible voters came to the polls to declare with a 95% majority that Slovenia had six months after the plebiscite to conduct disassociation talks with the other Yugoslav republics and persuade foreign countries to grant recognition to the new state.

Slovenia’s

Independence

and

Unity Day

DECEMBER 21, 2012, PAGE 2

resolve for independence by fi ghting off an attack by Yugoslav forces. By October 25, 1991, the Yugoslav army pulled all of its soldiers and gear out of Slovenia. Even before the last Yugoslav soldier left Slovenian soil, Slovenia introduced its own currency, the tolar, and on December 23, 1991, exactly one year after the referendum -- which is referred to as the plebiscite -- the parliament adopted the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia, its fi rst constitution as an independent and democratic state. As the country’s primary legal document, the Constitution lays the foundations of state authority and the status of individuals in the Republic of Slovenia. It guarantees a democratic political system with a parliamentary form of state authority, a state governed by rule

of law, and a social state based on respect for human dignity. Germany, Sweden, and Iceland were the fi rst West European countries to recognize Slovenia’s independence 21 years ago, on December 19, 1991, triggering a process that eventually led to the country’s membership in the United Nations. Germany’s and Sweden’s recognition took effect on January 19, 1992, when Slovenia was recognized by the then European Community, the precursor of today’s European Union. The fi rst overseas countries to follow suit were Canada and Australia, respectively, on January 15 and 16. That step was taken by the United States on April 7, 1992. Slovenia was fully recognized as a member of the international community on May 22, 1992, when it became the 176th member of the United Nations.

by DEMOS was the creation of creation of the state based on the rule of law and a market economy. Along with Peterle, the top three leaders at the time also included Milan Kučan, the last head of the Slovenian Communist Party, who was elected the chair of the collective presidency of the Republic of Slovenia, and France Bučar as speaker of the assembly. On June 25, 1991 Slovenia passed the Constitutional Charter on Sovereignty and Independence, with which it gained statehood for the fi rst time in its history. A ceremony was held in Republic Square in front of the Parliament House in Ljubljana, at which Kučan uttered the legendary words that turned out to be most synonymous with Slovenia’s independence: “Today dreams are allowed, tomorrow is a new day.” In the ensuing days, the fl edgling state was forced to confi rm its

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 commemorative year. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the recognition of country’s independence by the United

Panel discussion Afganistan: Moving forward. The event was moderated by the Presi-dent of the Middle East Institute, and attended by more than 100 eminent guests. Panelists at the discussion were Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues 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-fi ce of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs at the USAID.


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. On this occasion, Ambassador Kirn also opened two exhibitions: one featuring the artists Meta Zobec Novak of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Gorazd Jordan of Maribor, Slovenia, Toni Rash of Kirtland, Ohio, and Lynn Miller of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. The second exhibition featured the recognized Slovenian sculptor Mr. Jiri Kočica. The year 2012 was rich with cultural events. Starting off

the year, our embassy in February marked the Slovenian Culture Day by hosting a reception, where attendees enjoyed Slovenian short-fi lm screenings featuring The Things We’ve Never Done Together, Vučko, and The Visit. Shortly thereafter, on February 15, we hosted a panel discussion “Afghanistan: Moving Forward” in cooperation

with IRD (International Relief & Development), also as an introductory event to the opening of an exhibition “Afghanistan: (Un)Ordinary Lives” by Slovenian photographer Manca Juvan. In 2012, the exhibit was displayed also in the State Capitol Building in Denver, Colorado, and MC Gallery in New York. 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

Remarks by Slovenian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Senčar at the reception on the occasion of the Slovenian National Day.

EU Open House Event at the Slovenian Embassy.


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 hosted The National History Bee and Bowl competition. As traditionally in May, the Embassy of Slovenia participated in the Annual E.U Embassies’ Open House Day and opened its doors to more than 2000 people during E.U. week. Guests had an opportunity to taste the great Slovenian cuisine and wine, to see how potica and jabolčni zavitek pastries are made, admire Slovenian crystal and the exhibition of sculpture by Lučka Koščak, learn about Maribor – the European Capital of

for Diplomats in the Ronald Reagan Building. At the end of May, Deputy Chief of Mission Ondina Blokar Drobič, presented poetry by Tomaž Šalamun at the 7th Small Nations’ Poetry Reading. In July, Reform, Revolt and Revolution in Egypt and the Arab World’ event was organized by the Slovenian Embassy in cooperation with the Women’s Foreign Policy Group. On October 31, the 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 at the Embassy of Slovenia in

Culture 2012, listen to the music performed by ArtVento Quintet, or talk with the friendliest staff about history, economy, and politics of Slovenia. A day before the Open House event, the Embassy of Slovenia together with professionals in the city hosted a Slovenia cultural evening. In May, the Slovenian Embassy also participated in the 6th International Children’s Festival, hosted by Meridian International Center and THIS

Slovenia at International Children’s Festival in Ronald Reagan Building.

Colorado National Guard visiting the Embassy.


Washington on November 20, 201, in an evening of poetry reading combined with Kreslin’s distinctive music, highlighting Kreslin’s new book of poetry, titled Instead of Whom Does the Flower Bloom (Namesto koga roža cveti). The day after, Vlado Kreslin held a concert at the Kennedy Center Millenium Stage, attended by several hundred listeners. In March and in November, a group of keen and enthusiastic 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

with 5th grade students of the Ross Elementary School. The embassy was also part of E.U. Educational Outreach program Diplomats to Schools. Within the EUNIC (European Union National Institutes for Culture) Washington cluster, the Embassy of Slovenia participated in several projects: Eurovision 2012 Song Contest gathering; the European Conversation Club, where Mr. Bernard Pesjak

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 the country’s largest performing arts festivals for children. The theater presented the puppet show Videk’s New Shirt, adapted after an old Slovenian story by writer Fran Levstik. As part of the AFI (American Film Institute)–E.U. Film Showcase Festival, Slovenian fi lm Bread and Circuses (Kruha in Iger) was screened in AFI Silver Spring Theatre. Several groups of both Slovenian and American students visited the embassy throughout the year, namely,

Vlado Kreslin at the Kennedy center Millennium Stage.

Consultations of honorary and general consuls.


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 General Frank Gorenc. As traditionally on the fi rst Friday of October, the Embassy of Slovenia hosted the annual meeting of general and honorary consuls of the Republic of Slovenia in the United States and Mexico to express appreciation for their endeavors to strengthen economic, scientifi c, educational and cultural relations between the two countries As an

overture to the consultations, the opening of “Beyond”, a spectacular photography exhibition of images from space by Michael Benson, was held at the embassy. In 2012, the Ambassador of Slovenia to the U.S., Roman Kirn, held lectures at the Turkic American Alliance in Washington; Georgetown University

School of Foreign Service; University of North Carolina; Lehigh University; American University; and the International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy in Washington. Moreover, Ambassador Kirn paid visits to North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York, Michigan, Colorado, California, 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 General of Slovenia in New York resulted in the Embassy of Slovenia in Washington taking over its duties.

Ambassador Kirn at the Georgetown University.

Ambassador Kirn addressing guests of Detroit Economic Club during his visit in Michigan, where he opened a new Honorary Consulate, headed by the former U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia and a respectable businessman, Yousif B. Ghafari.


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 the awards at a ceremony held annually by the DŠNS to honour Slovenia’s top sporting achievers in the past year. The 25-year-old Kopitar, who was a key member of the Stanley Cup-winning Los Angeles Kings outfi t earlier in the year, beat out hammer thrower Primož Kozmus, a silver medalist at the London Olympics, in the voting 261 to 182 to become the fi rst ever athlete in a team sport to win the award. Shooter

Rajmond Debevec, who won bronze in London, came in third with 55 votes. Like for Kopitar, this is also the fi rst Athlete of the Year honours for the 31-year-old Žolnir, who tallied 344 votes from the sports writers. The judoka, who was close to retirement three years ago after undergoing operations to both her knees only to come back in style in London, fi nished ahead

of three-time winner, skier Tina Maze (286) and climber Mina Markovič (72). Meanwhile, rowing duo Iztok Čop and Luka Špik, who won bronze in the double sculls in London, were awarded for the Best Team of the Year. The DŠNS also conferred a special award to paralympic shooter Franček Gorazd Tiršek, who took silver in the London Games. (Source: STA)

OVERVIEW

Maribor Bids Farewell as European Capital of Culture 2012 More than two million visitors attended the 5,230 events organized as part of the Maribor European Culture Capital 2012 project. The project, in which more than 500 institutions participated and which defi nitely left a lasting positive mark on the city, ended with a special celebration on Saturday, December 15 evening in Narodni dom, when the title was handed on to France’s

Marseilles and Slovakia’s Košice. Despite the offi cial closing ceremony, exhibitions and several other events will continue to be held as part of the culture capital project until the end of the year. Portugal’s Guimaraes, which held the title alongside Maribor, is holding the closing ceremony on December 21. Maribor and its fi ve partner towns --Novo Mesto,

Murska Sobota, Velenje, Slovenj Gradec and Ptuj -- were in the spotlight for the entire year of 2012, hosting various concerts, literary events, fashion shows, workshops, projections and exhibitions. The prestigious title of the “European Capital of Culture” gave the second largest city in Slovenia an exceptional chance to become more widely recognized. The project, which began in Athens

Los Angeles Kings star Anže Kopitar.


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

The next issue of the Slovenian Embassy Newsletter will be published on Friday, January 11, 2013.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Season’s Greetings and Best Wishes for a

Prosperous New Year 2013

Embassy of Slovenia

Ambassador

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, the Black Masks Opera, written by Slovenia’s most acclaimed avant-garde composer Marij Kogoj, an exhibition from London’s Tate Gallery, the International Book Fair, the House of Literature, and House of Science. A special part

was also dedicated to cultural embassies, which presented European and other countries around the world. The events in Maribor and other cities that co-hosted the project had a positive effect on tourism, with overnight

stays recorded by the Maribor Tourism Association between January and November showing a 20% year-on-year increase. In November alone, overnight stays were up by 92%, with 81% of the fi gure accounted for by foreign visitors.

SREČNO

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Documents

DECEMBER 21, 2012, VOLUME 8, NUMBER 48 Slovenia’s