SLOVENIA MADE A STEP FURTHER
Reception for American Slovenes and American friends on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Slovenian state


Cleveland, 12 May 2001

Compared to other transition states Slovenia had to make a step further. Along with all the processes, which were imperative to other countries of the erstwhile political east, it also had to create its own state and all state structures. It had to defend that in war, repair the consequences of that war and replace the loss of the former Yugoslav markets, emphasised President Kucan in his solemn address, adding that this 'step further' also contributed to the internal integration and consolidation of the Slovenian society.

The reception on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Slovenian state was attended by many reputable American friends of Slovenia, including Senator George Voinovich, Congressman Dennis Eckart, President of Cleveland City Council Michael D. Polensek, as well as the President of Cleveland State University Claire Van Ummersen and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, David G. Hill. On that occasion the City of Cleveland conferred upon President Kucan a Proclamation in recognition of the tenth anniversary of the independence of Slovenia and a Resolution of Congratulations by the City of Cleveland for the conferral of the honorary doctorate by Cleveland State University.