NEWS Slovenians from Abroad Mark Independence Anniversary

30.06.2011 Ljubljana - The National Assembly hosted on Thursday a traditional meeting of Slovenians living abroad. The 11th annual gathering dubbed "20 years of independent Slovenia and Slovenians outside its borders: a view back and ahead into the future" was dedicated to Slovenia's independence anniversary. Slovenians from abroad, who filled the assembly hall at the parliament house, were addressed by Deputy-Speaker France Cukjati and Minister for Slovenians Abroad Bostjan Zeks. Cukjati said that 20 years after Slovenia gained independence the country was dealing with problems in the face of which it seemed that not much was left of "the heaven under Triglav". He also said, however, that this situation was initiating an overhaul of the country and its people. Cukjati also believes that Slovenia should change its Constitution so as to allow two representatives of Slovenians from abroad at the National Assembly. Zeks meanwhile said that during his visits to Slovenians abroad, he was noticing that historic divisions were disappearing and that the pride to be Slovenian was growing, just the opposite of what was happening in Slovenia. He therefore invited them to promote this pride in Slovenia. "This is the only way for us to build the society I want for us, where it won't matter what somebody's last name is, who their grandfather was or which group they belong to, but only what the person is doing and has done so far," said Zeks. Miro Petek, the chair of the parliamentary Commission for Slovenians Abroad, who is like Cukjati a member of the opposition Democrats (SDS), would also like to see Slovenians living abroad represented at the National Assembly. The meeting was also addressed by Slovenia's first Minister for Slovenians Abroad, Janez Dular, Marija Ahacic Pollak from Canada and Marijana Sukic from Hungary. Dular was critical of Slovenia's tolerance toward the disregard of the neighbouring countries for the rights of Slovenian minorities, which was also highlighted by Sukic, while Ahacic Pollak urged Slovenians to overcome political differences. Meanwhile, Slovenia's 20 years of independence will also be celebrated tonight by Ljubljana's Architecture Museum with an exhibition dubbed "Shaping the Republic". The display will focus on the work of architects dedicated to projects beneficial to the public. It will feature six architectural films as well as a number of photographs.

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