The Australian Slovenian Review Autumn 1995 Inside Rapotec the Artist Part II Volume 2 Issue 2 mm iii if SM Structure of Slovenian M Parliament Slovenian Easter Traditions Why Relations between Italy and Slovenia are Strained Could Slovenia lose it's precious 42km of coastline? A frosty atmosphere has been evident in European diplomatic circles lately, particularly between the Italians and the Slovenians. There has been much coverage in Slovenian and our local ethnic media, and much discussion amongst our older generation about the deteriorating relations between these two neighbouring countries. What is the story behind this saga ? Its origins go back in history to before the First World War and involve the Italian and Slovenian ethnic minorities living in each country and how the respective governments are treating them. What is irritating Slovenia is that Italy is forcing these bilateral issues onto the multilateral arena, blocking Slovenia's entry into the European Union until they are resolved (in Italy's favour of course). The minorities in Slovenia and Italy. The Italian minority in Slovenia today is a remnent of a much larger Italian population which lived indigenously on the Istrian peninsula. A most recent census, carried out in 1991 established that Slovenia has a population of 1,965,986 of which 87.8% are Slovenian. Two significant indigenous ethnic minorities live in Slovenia: Hungarian (numbering 8,503 or 0.43% of the population) and Italian (3,064 or 0.16% of the population). The Italians live in three coastal municipalities of Koper, Izola and Piran. The Slovenian Constitution adopted in 1992 guarantees special rights to members of the Italian and Hungarian minorities living indigenously in Slovenia. Several international monitoring missions have already confirmed that ethnic or national minorities in Slovenia are protected better than the international standards demand: • The Italians have, despite their small number, a guaranteed seat in the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia and in local assembles and municipalities. The Italians choose from among their number at special elections, at the same time voting for representatives of political parties who may also be members of the Italian minority. • They have a right to use their native language in public administration and judicial bodies, and they have the right to education in Italian. They have their own state funded nursery, primary and secondary schools conducted in Italian. The curricula of these schools differ from those of ordinary schools in that they pay special attention to the culture history and geography of their native country in order to maintain their ethnic identity. Full bilingualism in public applies in the three coastal municipalities in which they reside, ie public signs, public announcements etc are always bilingual. • The Italian minority has its own cultural institutions, some of which are shared by Italians in Slovenia and Croatia. The community has its own radio and newspapers, while most of the programming on TV Koper is in Italian. The Italian government has no complaints regarding the legal status of its minorities in Slovenia. It does, however have certain complaints concerning the problems that have arisen since the emergence of Slovenia and Croatia as independent states, bisecting the Italian minority in Istria with a national border. While the Slovenian government shows understanding for the difficulties caused by the new state border, it maintains that it cannot take responsibility for the Italian minority in another country. It has, in agreement with the Croatian authorities, continued to finance certain institutions of the Italian minority now located on Croatian territory. (Continued on page 3) ............a:lll 111! 1 Editorial/ Writing Jrerte Stariha Dorothy Kobal Mia1 Smith Robert Pecovnik PaulLukezic Milena Godec i::',' <11 ....... . Milena uoaec < ' 'JohnKern ^ ft < 1 « ^ äS' Jude Bavčar Sylvia Kuznik Marketing\/ Public Relations Robert Suber IanMakovec Jude Bavčar: JosieModrijančič ¡ "nI !r, ,!'' Mark Starihit* ' i : • i Production CirflKosorok Henry Stariha JohnKobal EditorialConsuliant Olga Lah Administration | Renata Susanj > The Australian Skwenifui Review is a nonprofit venture,which aims to publish ! quarterly. Production-and distribution costs are fundedby sponsorshipand [advertising.: The ASR is not a platform for any particular interest group and does not represent any group or organisation within the Slovenian community. The ASR team believe that there should be a forum available to inform and discuss issues that arelof interest to first and second generation Australians with a Slovenian heritage. Articles for publications are most welcome. They may be presented hand written, typed or preferably on a MS-DOS format floppy disk. Articles can be sent to; . < ASR, P,0,BoxKL806 KingslLangley 2147 or faxed to: (02) 674 4583 Sponsorship or advertising enquiries should; be directed to: •Civ::r1:':i::•^IIIISBIij'M^'v-i■ .-it: Robert Suber on (02) 829 1303 If you are i interested in joining our team or finding out more about the ASR please contact us at the above address or Fax. fcditoriaC Yes, we have survived the "silly season"! However it's not far enough away for us to have forgotten our 'destined to fail' New Years Eve resolutions. I read somewhere that 1995 was the Year of Tolerance, so my resolution was to be more tolerant of others (especially my family). Try as I did, I found that it was all too hard - especially when they did very little to make it easy! One of the A.S.R. team said I had no chance with the resolution I had chosen -1 wonder what he meant by that?! I hope your resolutions have lasted longer than mine. If by chance one of them was to join the A. S.R. team or to contribute in some way to the publication, then now* s the time to do something about it. Resolutions in most cases require us to make change. This is no easy task. Many people find big changes to be stressful, threatening and generally a frightening experience. After the pain however, the rewards are often many. There is talk in the wind that our traditionally divided Slovenian Community in Sydney is considering change that would enable it to unite. In the past Australian Slovenians in Sydney have felt obligated to attend only one of the two clubs (or indeed neither) so as to remain politically correct. Ideologies, opinions, and practices of the clubs varied to such a degree that it was difficult to be loyal to both. This has lead to a decline in patronage of both clubs, with the youth not wishing to be caught in the politics, and the older generation tiring of it. These differences between the clubs seem to be narrowing and there now seems to be an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence. A number of members from both clubs are rumoured to be of the opinion, that this peaceful coexistence is not enough to ensure the future of either of them. There seems to be a willingness to consider a merger of the two. This is in its very early stages, and the finer details of how this could be achieved are not yet clear. Many strategies need to be developed and much discussion needs to be entered into. We are not sure how the numbers game is being played, nor what time frame is being considered for such moves. A.S.R will keep our readers informed of any developments as they occur, and urges readers that may be interested in these developments, to attend meetings held by the clubs. This is indeed a mammoth change and we hope it will be a smooth process and not too wearing on those who put much voluntary time and effort into keeping our culture alive through the work of the clubs. I hope you all found the calendar sent out in our last issue useful. We-now have our sights set on another project. Many of our advertisers report that they are receiving work from A.S.R. readers, so now we are hoping to publish the first Australian Slovenian Trades Directory. As it is shown, you are willing to support Australian Made by Slovenian hands, we will make it easier for you. Trades people are invited to supply details of their trade (for a small fee), and it will be published in a (probably small to begin with) booklet that people will be able to keep for future reference. If you have a trade or something to sell, don't miss out on this opportunity! In this issue, we cover the subject that seems to be topical on the Slovenian news broadcasts on a regular basis - the relationship between Slovenia and its closest neighbour Italy. You will see that the relationship is very much all take and no give on Italy's part. We also look at Easter Traditions and at Stanislav Rapotec - but highlight his military career. Finally, some of you will notice that we have started using Č, Š and Ž on Slovenian words used in this issue (see page 9). We are very happy to say that the problems we have had in the past with Microsoft Publisher have finally been ironed out. Anyway I'm running out of room, so ... good reading, friend! and remember, pass us on to a Strained relations between Slovenia and Italy (Continued from page 1) Moreover, Slovenian financial support of the Italian minority has continued at the same level, despite the fact that the majority of the community now live in Croatia (numbering some 26,000). The Slovenian minority in Italy numbers approximately 90,000 and live in the border region of Friuli - Venezia Guilia. There is no specific law providing for the protection of the Slovenian minority at national level, its legal status and the level of protection varies considerably in the three provinces, and even from one local community to the next. In the province of Udine for example, the Slovenian minority is not even officially recognised. Official documents mention Slovenians as "people of Slavic descent" and their language as "different from Italian". The status of protection and civil rights of a minority in this region are far below international standards. As early as 1976, the Italian Parliament assumed the obligation of adopting a global protection law for the Slovenian minority, which would guarantee equal status in comparison with the French and German minorities to the north of Italy, but this obli gation, has remained unfulfilled for 18 years and the reasons for this are still to be explained. Financial and political pressures also threaten the Slovenian minority in Italy. Last year the Italian government reduced the share of the financial resources earmarked for the activities of the Slovenian minority from 8 Billion Lire to 6 Billion, explaining that this was necessary as a budgetary measure. What happened between Italy and Slovenia after 1918 ? Slovenia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (which stretched across central and part of Eastern Europe) until it was defeated in the First "World War. Italy, joining the victorious ailies towards the end of the war, gained substantial territory as a result of the Rapallo Treaty. These territories included the coastal area of Slovenia, Istria, a part of Dalmatia and the islands. The Italians ruled over this territory between 1918 and 1943. In this time, the Italians undertook a deliberate campaign of terror and "ethnic cleansing" against the Slovenians. Property was seized, people were politically persecuted and a large number were deported to concentration camps in central Italy or on distant islands, including hundreds of priests. All surnames and names of villages were italianised, and the speaking of Slovenian in public was strictly prohibited as were inscriptions on tombstones written in Slovenian. More than 400 primary schools, 3 high schools and 373 educational and cultural associations, and numerous newspapers and other organisations (including banks) were dissolved. In one particular period between 1920-1921 Italian fascist "shock troops" burnt down the majority of Slovenian cultural centres in the provinces of Gorizia and Trieste. Even greater damage was sustained when Italy occupied a greater part of present Slovenia during World War II. The occupation lasted for two and a half years and resulted in: ■ 5,851 deaths; 15,296 deportations to concentration camps; 319,4 35 persons being deprived of liberty by imprisonment, forced labour etc.; 31,121 buildings ruined or damaged; 1,157,636 cubic metres of timber cut and removed. Reparations for the above damage caused by Italy was assessed at $ 125 million U.S. by the 1947 Paris Peace Treaty. This treaty and the 1954 London Memorandum of Understanding fixed the present border between Italy and Slovenia. It also established the so-called A Zone and B Zone; A Zone belonged to Italy and consisted of Trieste and the surrounding areas; Zone B belonged to the then Yugoslavia and consisted of the present Slovenian coastal communities and Croatian areas of Novigrad, Buje and Umag. The Memorandum allowed the people from these areas to move freely from one zone to the next, and allowed them to acquire Italian and Yugoslav citizenship as they wished. Their property would be protected under the law. Despite the fact that inhabitants were free to make their own decision, Italy still viewed the people who moved to Italy as "refugees", and it has been argued that Italy undertook a campaign of propaganda to incite the 20,000 residents to leave Yugoslavia and accept Italian citizenship. In 1975, the Osimo Agreement finally confirmed the border between Italy and the then Yugoslavia as indisputable. In the 1983 Rome Treaty, both countries agreed on the indemnity for the property of residents of Zone B who had opted to move to Zone A. This indemnity did not apply to property which was nationalised or sold. To compensate for all property which was nationalised, it was agreed that an amount of $ 110 million U.S. should be paid by Yugoslavia to Italy, starting in 1990 in 13 instalments. The first two instalments of SI 6,923,046 U.S. have been paid by the former Yugoslavia, and remainder is to be paid by the Republic of Slovenia, which reconfirmed the Rome Treaty in 1992. What does Italy really want. Unbelievably, Italy does not want the money ! It wants restitution of property in kind. Not only that, It demands certain privileges for those Italians residing in Slovenia and that they be given equal rights to that of Slovenian citizens. (Continued on page 12) Slovenian Easter The older I get, the more grateful I have become to my parents who have instilled in me (through much nagging and cajoling) a strong Slovenian identity. I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones, who has retained some of those Easter traditions that were and are still being practised in Slovenia. In a peculiar way, i feel special that for occasions such as Christmas, Easter and numerous others, I don't fall into the category of the average Australian. I am quite proud of doing things just a little differently and explaining the traditional ways to my non-Slovenian friends. Easter is one of the great times of the year in which {in my family especially) the tradition of celebrating Easter in the Slovenian way is still kept well alive. In our family, one knows when Easter is drawing near. Coming from a strong Catholic background, I always expect a subtle reminder from my mother at the beginning of LENT. Even though in the spirit of the times the Catholic Church was eased its rules on fasting, our family still practises in the times when my parents grew up in Slovenia. The "devet dnevnica" "pepelnica" and "velik petek" are still strongly adhered to in our family. Pancake Tuesday was never Pancake Day for us but the day when my mother would make "Krofe" or donuts, as this was the way it was done "back home". The Saturday before Easter Sunday, we would colour our eggs and prepare and decorate a basket full of painted eggs, cold meats, "Potica". bread and sometimes a bottle of wine. We would then travel to the Slovenian church and participate in the cercmony of the blessing of the food. Each item would represent part of Jesus Christ. For example, the "Potica " or bread would be baked in a ring which would represent the crown of thorns, the painted red eggs would represent the drops of blood from the wounds of Christ's body, and the cold meats would represent the body of Christ. On Easter Sunday morning we would gather for breakfast at the dining table and eat the food that had been blessed. Even now. with some of us living away from home and with families of our own, we gather at our parents' place and cat breakfast together. The leftover scraps were never thrown away, but burnt. Reading this, you might think that it's no big deal, but think back for a moment on how Easter. Christmas and other major (particularly religious) occasions of the year are celebrated in your family. Think of ail the traditions and customs that have been instilled in you (ever so lightly or strongly) in a Slovenian way, and thank your parents for that special gift they have passed on to you. Finance Report b\< Ian Makovec YOU TOO CAN SHARE ES THE PRIVATISATION OF SLOVENIAN BUSINESSES The issue of sharing in the privatisation of Slovenia's previously state-owned business, has been the most innovative step the Government has taken to restructure its economy. This decision has meant Slovenian Citizens living abroad are entitled to share in this allocation of wealth and your stake may be waiting for you to claim. Over the next few issues we explore firstly what this means to Slovenian citizens in Australia, and then look at the implications of the process. As a socialist/communist styled state, the Slovenian government owned and operated almost every business similar to our Govermnent owning the rail system (CityRail and the Met) and electricity commissions in Australia. With the onset of a republican government influenced by a democratic framework, it was recognised that it was not government's role to own and operate all businesses resulting in the need to sell/privatise these businesses. On 5 October 1993, the Republic of Slovenia (RS) passed laws to issue all Slovenian citizens with ownership certificates which can be used to buy shares in companies which are privatising. The laws required that the certificates be allocated to all persons who were Slovenian citizens on 5 December 1992 on the basis of their age as follows: - SIT AS up to 18 years of age 100,000 1,077 between 18 & 23 200,000 2,154 between 23 & 28 250,000 2,692 between 28 & 38 300,000 3,230 between 38 & 48 350,000 3,769 between over 48 400,000 4,307 The citizen is free to nominate which privatised company to invest in and how much of the certificate is to be converted into shares of the company. Special investment companies have also been established which themselves invest in companies to be privatised. Instead of converting a larger proportion of their certificates into the shares of a few companies, citizens are able to invest in these investment companies which in turn invests the pooled monies in a greater number of companies to diversifies risks. The certificates are issued in the name of the citizen and cannot be transferred. For those citizens who have died after 5 December 1992, the executor of the estate is entitled to the allocation of certificates and nomination of companies. Citizens under the age of eighteen, require their parents to nominate which companies the certificates are to be converted into. All Slovenian citizens are required to register their eligibility prior to 5 April 1995 by requesting the application form from the local Embassy, Slovenian clubs and Slovenian Church Centres. The RS processes your application, confirms your citizenship and notifies yon of your eligibility for the allocation. This can be done in Australia through the Slovenian Embassy in Canberra. The privatisation of companies is progressing and offerings of shares will continue over the next 12 months. These shares will then be listed on the Ljubljana Stock Exchange in 1996 for trading by all investors. As citizenship is granted to those born in Slovenia or can be confirmed by those born to Slovenian parents, it is possible for you to share in Slovenia's reforms by acting now. SLOVENIAN BUSINESSMAN WINS AWARD FOR PACKAGING EXCELLENCE Dusan Lajovic, owner of Impact International, won the 1994 Australian state award for packaging. The innovatively designed "Lajcan" containers can be made of recycled plastic or cardboard and costs less than standard tin cans to produce. TRADE BETWEEN SLOVENIA & AUSTRALIA The platform for trade is in early construction and seems to be hard work for all those who have tried to progress it, to little avail, Those that have succeeded are the large companies (e.g. Euro, Gorenje, Coca Cola Amatil) which can bridge the gap of distance and expensive support. Using this as a guide, I can only suggest that those involved in trade promotion focus their time marketing Slovenia's advantages to the select big Australian corporations which can capitalise on these opportunities and provide a consulting service to those Slovenian companies considering venturing business activities in Australia. EXCHANGE RATES As at 17 Jan 1995 6Sept94 10 May 94 AUD/SIT 92.87 91.2 95.34 DEM/SIT 81.84 80.03 78.79 i Small Business Financial Management Advice on the Accounting and Financial aspects of your Business Ian Makovec 957 5820 660 7005 o m "A foreign mercenary in Yugoslavia in 1991 told a journalist that: "We have our own reasons for being here. I wanted to understand why this war was happening". The man's method of research was extreme, but anyone can sympathise with his bafflement. This book is not a war report, though J hope it explains why the war reportage presented such a confusing picture. Nowhere in Europe, as the Cold War ended, was it trickier for outsiders to tell the needful from the needless destruction, than in federal Yugoslavia. This book attempts this distinction. More personally it records a kind of passion to understand a place; to experience something as it vanished, and to see new things as they emerged" (Thompson 1992, Preface). Mark Thompson, English journalist and London correspondent of Mladina magazine in Slovenia, travelled through Yugoslavia in the late 1980's. In this work of literature he brings to the reader, through past historical developments and present events, an outsider's attempt to understand the decline and fall of the former Yugoslavia. Illuminating the fragile nature of Yugoslavia as a state since its conception in 1918, Thompson clearly indicates that even despite its political and nationalistic yearnings for independence from earlier empirical oppressors, its differences in language, culture, history and religion could not maintain an idealistic bonding based on racial ("Slavic") kinship. This is not essentially new to us: as second generation Slovenians, we have been brought up knowing of the obvious differences and the subsequent problems these have brought, both to our parents back in their homeland, and to us, in our experiences within the Slovenian community and beyond. Thompson aptly and metaphorically embarks on his journey into the breakdown of Yugoslavia, beginning at "The Wall", a crossing place in Nova Gorica, symbolising "the junction of two states and two worlds, Eastern and Western, Balkan and European". What follows is an in-depth account of the events leading up to June 1991, intelligently blending interesting historical fact, personal encounters with the people and their customs, political and economic viewpoints, the philosophical and literary influences of Slovenian academics and writers, and some vivid and detailed descriptions of Ljubljana and the Slovenian countryside. Of particular interest is the writer's account of the social and sub-culture movements in the 1980's, permeated as they were by Western and American influences, and how these led to an increasing critique of the Socialist government towards a campaign for democracy. Many interesting anecdotes on the punk music scene and on the initially radical and influential Mladina, which behaved like a free press within a republican mode, serve to give the reader a broader contemporary background. Permit me to indulge you in a rather disturbing picture painted by Thompson in summating the Slovenian character: "phlegmatic, orderly, hard-working, dull, piously Catholic, reticent, stingy...famously Austrian". Given that for the greater part of its history, Slovenian peoples have been under German/Austrian domination, from as early as 874 until 1918, it may suffice to say that despite, and perhaps because of, the obvious parallels which can be drawn, the Slovenians may indeed be seen in this light. One does not need to look far to see the Slovenian preference for monetary and commodity items, perhaps displaying an intrinsic subservience to German influence. Interwoven with these themes are other seemingly trivial pieces of information: great literary epics are told; and stories of the people's yearnings for democracy, for example, origins of the American Declaration of Independence have been traced back to a 15th century democratic ritual in a Slovenian Carinthian town called Sent Vid, near Klagenfurt. I say seemingly trivial because, in fact, such events have all been built up to portray the Slovenian identity, which, even through its millennium of subservience to others, has expressed its desire to be recognised in its own right for almost just as long. Whatever conclusions Thompson makes of Slovenians, or, as the book further develops, of Croats, Serbs, and of the other groups, he has done so with a great deal of research and personal journalistic experience and integrity. He presents each group objectively, from a variety of perspectives, something which, perhaps only an outsider could successfully do. A compelling, in-depth reading, recommended to anyone seeking to understand the background of complexities, in a still continuing catastrophy in the Balkans. A Paper House. The Ending of Yugoslavia. Mark Thompson (1992) Vintage: London by Milena Godec \ My Home Slovenia Where the Sun Shines Strong, Where the Rain Smells Sweet, I Think of My Home Slovenia With my every Heart Beat Mountains so High Hills that go Forever So Free is the Country My Home Slovenia By Natalie Kopse (Age 13) Faces I Miss Country of Bliss Place of Such Freedom & Love Where all People are One Under the Same Rising Sun, My Home Slovenia Is Where I Belong H.I.S. Electrics ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR GOLD LICENCE NO: EC38345 For all your Electrical work call Henry Stariha Phone: (02) 624-6132 Mobile: 018 972 425 KOBAL & ASSOCIATES SOLICITORS & ATTORNEYS Dorothy Kobal B.ComLXB, 81 SporingAve, (P.O. Box KL 806) Kings Langley 2147 (Tel) (02) 838 0334 (Fax) (02) 674 4583 Conveyancing, Wills & Probate, Small Business, Litigation and General Advice. CONTACT POIN /he cfoa iataie^ted t*t iemvUttCf- Sic^eHùml IN NSW: SLOMSKOVA SOLA St. Raphael Slovene Mission 313 Merrylands Rd. Merrylands Phone (02) 637 7147 SATURDAY SCHOOL OF COMMUNITY LANGUAGES (NSW Department of School Education) Contact Mrs. Mariza Lican on (02) 728 3387 MACQUAR1E UNIVERSITY School of Slavonic Studies Contact Ms Metka Cuk on (02) 850 7032 IN VICTORIA VICTORIAN SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES Princess Hill Secondary College, Arnold Street, Carlton North. Contact Ms Sasha Cererin (03) 802 4326 or Ms Sandi Ceferin (03) 571 9360 SLOMSKOVA SOLA Slovenian Religious and Cultural Centre, Kew. Phone (03) 853 8118 SLOVENIAN ASSOCIATION MELBOURNE Contact Magda Pisotek (03) 726 8465 Marija Penca (03) 894 1017 SLOVENIAN ASSOCIATION PLANICA Contact Lidija Lapuh (03) 8799 3984, Lucia Smec (03) 870 4810 Regional Profile In the extreme west of Slovenia lies a small region, measuring only around 149 km2, there, the higfilands of Brisko descend to a plain of unique charm surrounded by hills, which from Krmin in the west to Kalvarija in the east enclose this region which, a century ago, was a swamp. And yet the Brda (oflen referred to as the Goriška Brda) form a singular region, so well-known that hardly any Slovenians do not know about them, or have not been tempted to visit them. The most memorable feature of tire Brda is the hills. Slovenia as a whole is a land of hills, but the Brda look different, since the eye travels from their peaks down to the Friuli plain in the south, and further down all the way to the sea. The variety of the Brda hills adds to their attraction; some of them are still overgrown with forests, others have been turned into vineyards. Due to the Brda's geographical position, the region receives the influence of the Mediterranean climate. Here it usually snows for approximately four days of the year and the average January temperature is more than 2°C. The lower Brda region is an agricultural area, while the higher slopes are still overgrown with forests. The regions which are not suitable for vineyards are covered by stretches of woods abounding in acacia, which provides the material for vine props. Some native species of trees grow there, including, the graden oak, black elm, small ash, sweet chestnut, large ash, mountain maple and, in colder areas, beach. Larger woods extend near the village of Podsabotin, in valleys with water sources and on the steeper slopes unsuitable for fanning. The Brda lack water sources. Until 1953 they depended on wells and scarce streams with little water. Shortage of water used to be one of the most pressing problems, which was finally solved when the Brisko water system was built, using the water from the Soča river. The Brda were settled by the Slovenians in the 6th century. They settled mainly along the line marking the border between the plain and the elevated terrain. During the following centuries the Slovenians in the Brda were frequently subjected to foreign rule. In the 8th century their territory belonged to the Franconian-German state; the Slovenes came under the foreign aristocracy, mainly of German and Italian origin. From 1000 to 1500, the Brda were partly under the rule of the Counts of Gorizia and partly of the Patriarchs of Aquileia. After the death of the last Count of Gorizia in 1500, this territory came under the jurisdiction of Austria. The situation remained the same until 1918, when the Brda - like certain other parts of Slovenia -were invaded by Italy. During World War n, the Brda experienced the National Liberation War, German occupation and finally, at the end of the War, the passage of the troops connected with Germany (Cossacks). After World War If, this region was part of Zone A of the Julian Region until in 1947 it was annexed to Yugoslavia. There are many churches, a number of castles, monuments and memorials erected in honour of those fallen during the War. Most prominent among these is the belvedere at Gonjače, which is a memorial to 213 people fallen during the War, 82 hostages and 20 local people from the Brda and Slovenian Veneto who died in internment. The belvedere, designed by Marko Slajhmer, was built on Mejnik. From a massive stone plateau rises a slender round pillar, a long stairway winds up from it, interrupted by 4 round fenced-in landingstages, which at their central points create another pillar. The entire complex was inaugurated in 1961. The view from this vantage point is outstanding, revealing picturesque landscapes in either direction. Today, the administrative, cultural and commercial centre of the Brda is in the town of Dobrovo. The earliest records of settlement date from 1323. Archaeological research in recent years has revealed the remnants of the castle built in the Middle Ages, later demolished to make way for a new castle built at the beginning of the 17th Century. It has been well preserved and is one of the architectural treasures of the area. The castle's ground-plan is a square with towers symmetrically placed in corners. The building reveals traces of the Renaissance, brought to Slovenia from Italy. It was built in Venetian style, though it was later adapted in the early Baroque style. The Dobrovo Castle was in the 16th century owned by the Colloredo family, but in the 18th century it passed to the Catterini-Erzberg family from Gorizia. The castle complex also includes a chapel dedicated to St Anthony of Padua, recorded as early as 1480. The chapel has a rectangular nave and a mirror ceiling. It is now a unique exhibition hall, with Gothic frescoes, original paintings and replicas depicting the Primorsko region. The castle nowadays houses a gallery, restaurant and wine cellar, which has made Dobrovo known far beyond the borders of the Brda. The main agricultural activity in the Brda is wine-producing. Viticulture has been present in the Brda for a long time. Before World War I, more than 1000ha of the territory of the Brda were vineyards. Today, the figure has increased to 1800ha. In addition to wine-growing, fruit growing has been an important agricultural activity. The Brda region is famous for its cherries, peaches, apricots, pears, apples and figs. Recently, new sorts have joined the traditional ones, for example the kiwi-fruit. New times and new methods of work have changed the way of life in the Brda. It would be difficult to describe in a few lines everything that the Brda region treasures. But one more thing to note is that the Brda look at their best in spring, clothed in blossoms and early greenery, and in autumn, when the vineyards glitter in nuances of yellow, gold, red and brown. SOURCE: Trenutki v Goriških Brdih (by Marjan Bažato with special note to Marjan Breceij) (Collated by Jude Bavčar) Q&taniskv (sKapôtec - the war pears fèart 2 Profile on Stanislav Rapotec by Irene Stariha & Dorothy Kobal Stanislav Rapotec is a man who, because of his activities during WW2 was nicknamed by some as The Yugoslav James Bond . He spent the best years of his life in the fight against German nazism, Italian fascism and against communism and after the breaking out of WW2 established contact with the Yugoslav Government in exile and had connections with Natlacen, archbishop Stepinac, with people who wanted to oppose both fascism and communism. He is a man who knew the great 20th century painter Chagall and a close friend of media magnate Rupert Murdoch. Although his fame lies within the art world, his life prior to the launch of his artistic career was equally fascinating and often dangerous. Many times his life hanged on a thread thinner than the bristle of a painter s brush, yet stronger than death. At age thirty, when Germany invaded Yugoslavia, he found himself in the vortex of history, the value of life was measured in lead bullets. Rapotec was captured by the Germans, but after 3 days he escaped and joined secret organisations, which were preparing themselves for a fight against the aggressor. He was asked to make contact with the Yugoslav government in exile and in this he succeeded. In August 1941 he managed to reach Cairo and handed over to the Yugoslav Information service the data for the establishment of a liaison with the home country, and report to London about the situation in Yugoslavia. From London they charged him with a new task, to establish contact with various political figures strategic to the resistance movement. He sailed to Dalmatia in an English submarine but his mission wasn t successful. Rapotec returned to Alexandria and only after a few months he managed to reach his destination. The mission was aborted when his radio operator shared highly classified information with an untrustworthy female acquaintance. They were forced to escape in haste with the aid of allies and took with them top secret information which was used in subsequent successful missions. Rapotec lived to see the end of the war among the allies in Jerusalem. Because of the victory of the communist forces in Yugoslavia he didn't wish to return to his home country. Up until 1948 he was on patrol at the Suez Canal in a special unit which was under direct British command. After that he took off his military uniform and decided to go to England. Nevertheless, because of conditions in post-war England, he decided to try Australia. Even before he started carrying secret messages for the allies, he carried within himself secret messages of an imaginary world and was putting them down on paper and canvas with the strokes of pencil and brush. Even the brutal period of war didn't suffocate his wakening painter's genius. euro international ptyitd. EURO FURNITURE Wide range of colonial furniture from Slovenia Dining Settings Bentwood Chairs Rocking Chairs Modern Bedrooms Available at all leading furniture retail stores EURO TRADING Trading with Slovenia in chemical commodities, pharmaceutical products, metals, machinery, sporting equipment, food products and a variety of other products SHOWROOM ADDRESS: SYDNEY BRANCH 3 Dalmore Drive 2A Bessemer Street Scoresby VIC 3152 » Blacktown NSW 2148 Ph: (03)764-1900 Ph.: (02)671-5999 Fax: (03) 764-1461 Fax: (02)621-3213 mi AUSTRALIA III) 1995 Masquerade (Pust), Slovenian Australian Association Canberra, 18 February. 5. Amanda Skerbic (Genie) & Tammy Mcgann ( Minny Mouse) 6. Zinka Cerne ( Jungle Woman) A well deserved '1st prize'. Well done! 8. Rebecca Notts (Devils Girlfriend) '3rd prize'. Lucky devil!!! 1. Waiting back stage for the next set to begin... Robert, Sue, Rudi, Miriam and Mark, 70% of Black Baron. 25th Anniversary celebrations of Club Planica in Wollongong. 25 February 1995 2. Kara and Lana Stariha caught at their "best"... playing angels in the Nativity scene at the 1994 Midnight Mass, St Rafael's Church Merrylands 3. Two of our ASR team become a team of their own... Paul Lukezic and Mia Smith married on 19 February 1995. Congratulations! 4. Simona Seckar and Martin Osolnik members of the Canberra Folkloric Group perform at the 25th Anniversary Celebrations in Wollongong. 7. Falez Family (Cave People , Nurse & Patient). Suzi & Zeljko Golem (Cowboys; Snaps taken at various events in the Slovenian community around Australia. We can't make it to every event, so we're depending on yon... send lis your snaps together with a brief explanation and names of the faces you've captured 7- ©ut ok About röhe Qtbôcial Ošbcene in QsPpdmp -RS-WSwrn} Has been put back on the drawing board due to lack of interest. Our department offun & good times is working hard to come up with an alternative social event. Any suggestions would be welcome. Australian Slovenian Review FUNDRAISER TOUR Saturday 3rd June 1995 Meet at Slovenian Catholic Church (St Rafaels) 311 Merryfands Rd, Merrylands at 7:45am SHARP!! Cost: $20.00 (includes bus transport, morning & afternoon teas, & light lunch) GREAT SHOPPING BARGAINS Clothes, shoes, jewellery, leather gear, home-ware & lindt chocolates Brands such as Orrefars, Kosta-Boda, Chic-a-Boom Dollna, Sheriden, Bendon, Diamond Cut, Corning Ware etc. (PRIZES TO BE WON) All proceeds of this event will be put towards the publication of the ASR For additional Mo/matron call Jude Bavcar 601-7689 A few statistics from our mailing list: NSW : 329 VIC: 114 QLD: 004 SA: Oil WA: 007 TAS: 001 ACT: 01t NT; 000 Incorrect address: 052 TOTAL: 529 The ASR prints 700 copies of each issue 477 are mailed direct from our mailing list. The rest is distributed amongst the various clubs and organizations around Australia. Our target being mainly 1st & 2nd generation Slovenians. Tins is estimated to be about 2000 readers each issue. "Update your details when you change address" 18th March- Saturday 19th March-Sunday Sth Apri! - Sunday ]4th April-Friday 16th April - Sunday 17th April - Monday 25th April - Tuesday 29th April - Saturday 7th May - Sunday 13th May - Saturday 2Sth May - Sunday 3rd June • Saturday 20th August - Sunday PLACE SDS Triglav St Rafaels Church St Rafaels Church SI Rafads Church i ; t ; í j^;. i. lili<1:H __ ti Alü St. Rafaels Church Triglav SDS Triglav SDS EVENT .'ozelovaiije Jozefovanje Potm Sunday Mas* Good Friday Service &. Passion Play Easter Sunday MaLi Mass 1_ Second service Pirhovanje - Easter Dance ANZAC Day Mothets Day BBQ Mothers Day Dance SDS ASR St Rafaels Church Bowlers Picnic ASR Shopping Saver Tour Car Rally DETAILS Music by D lack Baron BBQ 12 noon Music by Black Baron 2-6pm 9.30am ?Msion singing by clioir 3 pm Protesten & Sclcran M«s tgChai ' ~ 1C all I 7:30pm Music by Veseli Gomjci ChibopcnJO&m Laying of wreath at 5pm 8pm Music by Veseli Gorai;á BBQ tinaón Music by Veseli Gorenjci 2 - opin 8:00pm Music by BÏack Baron 3 - 7pm Music by A.P.S Sound See ad this page WWii ■ ' ■■'■■■■: See ad this page Fur more details on the events listed above contact the organisers direct SDS (Slovenian Association Sydney) 2-10 Elizabeth St Wetherill Park (02)756 165« St Rafaels Slovenian Catholic Church 313 Marylands Rd Menylands (02) 637 7147 Triglav aub Ltd. 80-84 Brisbane Rd St Johns Park (02) 610 1627 Ml Will be held on Sunday 20th August. The event will begin at St Rafaels Church after Sunday mass and end with a BBQ at the destination. The route will be determined by last years winners Marjetica Bolko and Robert McAuley. Look out for registration info in the next ASR. Slovene Association Sydney A.C.N OOO 904 754 2 - 10 Elizabeth Street Wctlieril! Park NSW 2164 Social Club available for: Weddings, Parties, Functions & Hal! hire »BISTRO * POKER MACHINES * ♦ LIBRARY * (Slovtnlu, Book.) Phone: 02 756 1658 Fax; 02 756 1447 TRIGLAV Club LÍMÍTEd ♦ FuII Membership invited ♦ Function Facilities available *Bowls, Snooker, Bingo ♦ Restaurant Coming Events in 1995: * Jozefovanje * Materinski Dan * O celovški Dan * Wine Tasting ■ MikJavzevanjc * New Year's Eve March 19 May 7 Sept 3 Nov 12 Dcc3 Dcc 31 BBQ - 12 Noon BBQ - 12 Noon BBQ - 12 Noon BBQ - 12 Noon BBQ - 12 Noon Dance - 2 till 6pm Dance - 2 till 6pm Dance - 2 rill 6pm Dance - 2 till 6pm Dance - 2 till 6pm Dance - 8pm till late into the New Year? Ph: 610 3627 Fax: 823 2522 Triglav Club Limited (acnooi 397 927) 80 - 84 Brisbane Road, Si John's Park NSW 2176 Kobarid Museum "1993 European Museam Of the Year." By Dorothy Kobal During my extensive travels in Europe, I encountered and explored many museums with different themes. Of course, places like the British Museum and Natural History Museum in Vienna were memorable - there was just so much to see ! How couid one forget the Louvre - so many beautiful and priceless works of art, it would have taken weeks to see everything. But for some reason, the small seemingly inconsequential museum at Kobarid, made an indelible mark on my memory, and is probably my sentimental favourite. Kobarid is a small Slovenian town near the Italian border, and it was in the mountains surrounding this town that one of the greatest battles ever took place on Slovenian soil during the First World War. Over 600,000 soldiers fought on this front. From 1915 when the Isonzo (or Soska) front was opened up, until 1917 when the battle here ended, over one million people had been killed or driven away, It was a battle between the Italians and the Austro-Hungarian Empire (which ruled Slovenia during this time). Who won the battle? The Austrians, but does it really matter ? Lives were lost for the sake of drawing the border-lines a few kilometres this way or that. The Museum at Kobarid is a tribute to the lives that were lost during this period. As one writer put it: " for as important... as the wars and battles may be and as interesting they are to historians studying the late of the world, the thing that stands out above alt is the fate of the individual. The fate of the soldier...The fete of the poor soul hiding for months on end in caves, surviving on crusts of bread and a canteen of dirty water, until finally driven into attack armed with bayonet, up and down the contours of the rocky mountain gorges and cliffs, in the cold and snow and slush, a thousand metres high and hundreds of kilometres distant, into the heart of the gunfire and bayonet charge with which he is assaulted by an equally wretched soul, often of the same nationality, for Slovenes found themselves on both sides... since they lived on either side of the border, in both countries." (1) The museum is best seen during quiet times, when you are able to wander around the displays and imagine what it would have been like. After the entrance hall there are seven rooms to explore, named according to the various themes in each display. Some of the displays show a historical survey of the Kobarid region, photographs and sketches of the entire front. Then there's the Black Room, which shows how ridiculously minor the territorial changes were over the months of the battle and yet how horrifying the consequences of the battle. The Rear Room depicted everyday life of the soldier on the front: having to cope with disease, infection, hypothermia, starvation and death. The White Room is perhaps the most characteristic of the battle for the Soca; much of the battle was fought in horrendous conditions - in snow and ice, rain and mud, between boulders and steep cliff faces. In these conditions, the Austrians wheeled in 3,000 cannons and the Italians 2,430, by nothing more sophisticated than donkey and brute strength. I was very pleased when I heard that Kobarid Museum had been named the 1993 European Museum of the Year, the most coveted museum award in Europe. It is a museum of world-class standard, and vividly portrays the complete futility of war, and the unquestioning bravery shown by individuals - pawns in man's constant struggle for power. (I) Mate Dolenc, "Prezente ! Kobarid - Star of Museums" MM, (February 1994) ROSEWOOD HOMHS Builders Liccusc Nq.34806 ■ Where Quality and Service is built in ' A.C-N- 002 542 896 We welcome your inspection of our three professionally decorated, master built display homes. MARKO KRAJC NICK KRAJC Display Homes f : located at:; : HoincWorlcl IT, Hampton Crescent,, Prospect, OPEN 7 DAYS 9am to 5pm Phone: (3713155 Slovenia and Italy (Continued from page 3) It also questions the validity of the 1975 Osimo Agreement which finally settled all open issues from the past. ' In this way, Italy is trying to unilaterally revise the international treaty in force, thereby referring to the irrelevant circumstance, namely, that treaties which were signed "with a communist regime" or a country which no longer exists cannot be in force and that in spite of the fact that succession to that same agreement was assumed by Italy through an exchange of notes on the 31 July 1992, in compliance with the rules of international law on succession of states.' (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of RS) (emphasis added). What does Italy Really want. Since Italy's attempts to unilaterally revise the Agreement will not be agreed to by Slovenia, It has turned it's attention to Slovenia's membership to the European Union (EU). Italy has announced that it will not support Slovenia in it's application for associate membership to the EU. Since the announcement, Italy has repeatedly contributed to the decision of the EU Council of Ministers' decision not to give the green light to Slovenia, even though it meets all the criteria for associate membership as well as some conditions for full membership. Recently, the Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Dmovek invited Italy to present its demands to Slovenia publicly (i.e. what it really wants from Ljubljana), then he will take the issue to referendum, to be decided by the citizens of Slovenia. This statement surprised the Italians, as did a recent statement by the President Milan Kuan at the 40 th Western European Union Assembly, that Italy's acts represent an "unacceptable extortion". This seemingly provocative statement by Kuan is perhaps a sign that Slovenia is at the end of its tether in relation to this matter. It has tried to maintain friendly and open relations with Italy as much a possible. However, Slovenia's goodwill has been met with nothing but hostility and attempts at 'diplomatic blackmail'. In the 20 year period which separated the two world wars 1919 to 1939, Yugoslavia was formed. Slovenia was part of this collection of states which for all intents and purposes was under the control of Serbia. The first stage of the move towards Yugoslavia, which literally means Southern Slavs, was the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. Created in 1918, shortly after World War One, the Kingdom was dominated by Serbian authorities. It can be regarded as the first stage in the overall plan for a 'Greater Serbia', and the history of the Slovenians at this time can be intrinsically linked to the ebb and flow of the newly created Yugoslavia. As early as 1919 the Croat Peasant Army, led by Stephen Radic, wanted a republican, federalist or confeUeralist Yugoslavia. The Serbs and Croats had developed tinder different empires and cultures. The Serbs were heavily influenced by the Ottoman Turks, and Orthodox religion. The Croats, like the Slovenes, were more heavily influenced by the Austro-Hungarian empire and Roman Catholic religion. These influences did constitute a part of each state's character, and the differences would have affected the relationship between the two. The strains in this relationship are clearly evident in 1928 when Radic was killed in the Yugoslav parliament. In January 1929 King Alexander dissolved Parliament, suspended the constitution, and introduced a dictatorship. Alexander claimed that the Croation Peasant Army is one of his main obstacles to peace, and he sees no alternative but to proclaim the land as the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. In that same year, with the help of Italian fascists, the Ustashi is formed. The organization is opposed to the formation of a patriachal Yugoslavia, put simply they did not want the royal family in charge. The factions that divide the country then do so today. In fact, in a 1920 plebiscite (an election of sorts) only 2 of the 40 parties advocated Yugoslav statewide programs. Most parties were interested in their own backyard, and its problems.(l) The Balkan Wars were not over after 1913 as first thought. The area was becoming increasingly segmented and more volatile. After much post war prosperity the US was finding it difficult to recoup some of the debts from WW1. The financial markets, an enterprise without a product, were dependant on profit, or at least the confidence that profit would emerge eventually.(2) So when 12,894,650 shares were sold in a panic on the 28th of October 1929 confidence was shattered. The world's financial markets were in disorder. It seemed as if the whole system of capitalism was going to collapse. The period 1929-1934 is notable for the rise of facism and totalitarianism. In both democratic and socialist countries alike, ordinary people were being made to suffer for the irresponsible capitalists. According to Marxist principles the capitalists should King Alexander was shot in Marseilles by members of the Ustashi. Political violence seemed to be the answer. In Autumn 1939 Croatia obtained autonomy, yet Slovenia began to feel the pressure and nationalist violence of the Mussolini fascists. Slovenia had a lot to lose at this stage. In the 1930's there had been extensive development in the state in terms of the foundation of universities and the Academy of Sciences. The new state framework pushed Slovenians into a position of inferiority.(4) Slovenia's position was that of a minority. Closely guarded, and comprising only 10% of the overall Yugoslav population. Slovenia did manage a good degree of prosperity and growth in a time of depression and slow recovery world wide. It was a prize that the Kingdom was not willing to let go, and subsequently neither would the Communists after 1945. IbutzvWàv i®earsi 1919-1939 by Robert Pecovnik The radical nature of European politics between the wars was spurred on by the sense of uncertainty, change and revolution.. be disposessed, and the people were to own the means of production. This ideology had mass appeal, and its message was spreading despite resistance throughout Europe. In Yugoslavia the small illegal Communist Party, banned since 1921, reformed by the end of the thirties into the fighting Bolshevik Party(3). The members of this party included Josef Broz (Tito), who would later play an instrumental role in the formation of post-war Yugoslavia. The spiral down into war continued at a relentless pace, and Slovenia could only watch its autonomy being slowly eroded. The early thirties was a time of great industrial and political unrest. It seemed as if violence on a grand scale was the only means to regain some measure of social control by the new group of tyrants. For example Mussolini, Hitler and Stalin all were ruthless in their persecution of their enemies, both real and imagined. The world was spinning out of control towards another total war, and on October 1934 The radical nature of European politics between the wars was spurred on by a sense of uncertainty, change and revolution.The anxiety of the times was not without reason as the bloodshed of the Second World War was to show. Slovenia was still struggling for independence in a land precariously placed amongst the worlds most notorious dictators. The Fascists, Third Reich, Communists, previous Empires, and the Ustashi were on a collision course in Yugoslavia. In 1941 when Slovenia was divided by Hitler's armies the tiny nation could only brace itself for what was to follow.(5) It was a time of struggle against the occupying armies, and also a time of uncompromising fratricidal bloodshed.(6) The destiny of many of our parents was determined in these years, and the next issue will carefully look at this highly emotional time.The interwar years were a time of continued struggle for independence in Slovenia, as the 'world's' marched blindly into war. 1 .Vodopivec P The Historical Background to "The Slovene Question" cited in Grafenauer N The Case of Slovenia 1991. p 27 Ljubljana. 2.Cowie R Obedience or Choice. Gladesville 1987 p 302 3 Raposa K Discover Slovenia 1992 Ljubljana p 24 4.ibid Sopcit 6.Vodopivec P op cit Structure of the Slovenian Parliamen The Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia was adopted on December 23,1991, exactly a year after the plebiscite for an independent state. The new constitutional order derives from the principle that Slovenia is a Democratic Republic and a legal and social state. The commitment to a legal state binds it to base all its acts on the law, and the provisions of a social state to care for the material and social well -being of its citizens. The people hold the power in Slovenia and citizens can implement it directly through elections. In accordance with the new Slovenian Constitution, the highest legislative authority is the National Assembly, which has 90 deputies elected for a four-year term of office. The National Council with 40 deputies performs an advisory role. The President of the republic represents Slovenia and is at the same time the supreme commander of the defence forces. The government is the highest executive body, independent within the framework of its competence and responsible to the National assembly. PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC (at present Milan Kucan) As well as being the representative of Slovenia and supreme commander of its defence forces, the President calls elections to the National Assembly, proclaims laws adopted by the National Assembly, proposes a candidate for prime minister to the National Assembly and performs other duties defined by the Constitution. The President of the Republic is elected for a term of five years and may serve no more than two consecutive terms. NATIONAL ASSEMBLY The Slovenia parliament is called the National Assembly and is a single chamber. The Assembly is headed by a President ( at present Jože Skoljč) and made up of 90 deputies representing parties such as: -The Liberal Democratic Party (22 deputies) -Slovenian Christian Democrats (15 deputies) -Associated List of Social Democrats (14 deputies) -Slovenian National Party (5 deputies) - Slovenian People s Party (11 deputies) - Democratic Party (5 deputies) - Greens of Slovenia - Eco Social Party ( 5 deputies) - Social Democratic Party of Slovenia-(4 deputies) -One representative of the Hungarian ethnic minority and one representative for the Italian ethnic minority were also elected to the National Assembly. * Situation in the National Assembly as at January 10th 1994 NATIONAL COUNCIL The National Council is an advisory body composed of representatives of social, economic, professional and local interests. The National Council may propose laws to the National Assembly, give opinions on all matters within its competence and may demand that the National Assembly review its decision on a law before its promulgation. The National Council has 40 members, known as councillors. The teim of office in the National Council is five years. The council is also headed by a President (at present Dr Ivan Kristan). GOVERNMENT At the beginning of 1993, the National Assembly passed a new law on the Government of the Republic of Slovenia which reduced the number of ministries from 23 to 15 and the number of members of the government from 27 to 16 (or 18 if we include the (maximum) two ministers without portfolio allowed by law). The government is headed by a Prime Minister ( at present Dr Janez Dmovsek, also president of the Liberal Democratic Party) and the Ministries include: -Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Affairs -Ministry of Economic Relations and Development - Ministry of Finance - Ministry of Economic Affairs - Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry - Ministry of Culture - Ministry of Internal Affairs - Ministry of Defence - Ministry of Environment and Regional Planning - Ministry of Justice - Ministry of Transport and Communications - Ministry of Education and Sport - Ministry of Health - Ministry of Science and Technology - Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Minister without Portfolio -responsible for legislation As you can see the one-house parliamentary system in Slovenia is different to our two-house Westminster system. However there are also commonalities, the most obvious of which being the democratic basis of both systems. It is interesting to note however, that the public is not allowed to enter the parliament, and only prominent debates are aired to the public. Recent Slovenian visitors to Australia were in awe of the fact that they were able to enter our parliament even when it was in session. BIBLIOGRAPHY: SLOVENIA FOR EVERYONE BOOKLET 3RD EDITION JAN 1994 Collated by Irene Stariha THE CLUTCH SPECIALISTS ALL BRAKE & CLUTCH PARTS CAR-TRUCK-TRACTOR-INDUSTRIAL CLUTCH REBUILDING 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE FLYWHEEL GRINDING-DISC & DRUM MACHINING (046) 28 1177 ® 13 BLAXLAND ROAD, CAMPBELLTOWN 2560 Dr Peter Vencelj Secretary to the Foreign Minister Republic of Slovenia Interview By Mia Smith "December 94' MIA: Dr. Vencelj, could you please give our readers your brief personal history? DR V. : I was born in Kranj in 1939 and am currently still living in Kranj. I am married with two daughters. By profession, I am a University professor and have worked at the University of Ljubljana for 27 years before becoming the Minister for Education and Sport in the first Slovenian government in 1991. At the moment, I am State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and am especially responsible for the Slovenians who are not living in Slovenia. MIA: Could you briefly describe your duties as State Secretary? DR V.: Well, it is a very spread job. You must understand that there is a community of half a million Slovenians spread around the world. Also the Slovenians abroad are divided into three different categories. First, there are the Slovenians who live in the neighbouring countries, that is, Austria, Italy and Hungary. We also pay special attention to the Slovenians living in regions of the former Yugoslavia. The second category are Slovenians who temporarily live and work in places throughout Europe. These are known as zdomci. Third, there are the Slovenians living on other continents, especially in the Americas and in Australia. MIA : What tasks are involved in your job? DR V. : I lead an office in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which takes care of everything in the social, cultural and educational fields, we assist emigrants with citizenship and property problems and take care of a lot of different activities. We also try to follow the different needs of the communities and give them help where we can. MIA : Can you give me some examples of what you have done to assist the needs of Slovenians in Australia? DR V.: There are no specific things in Australia...the community has about 30000 members... maybe a specific thing in Sydney was organising the Slovenian Studies at Macquarie University. We are currently conducting some negotiations, but we are yet to see how we will solve this problem, (for an update on this point please see the statement from the Embassy below) MIA: I see...Are there any other problem areas within the community that you feel need to be addressed? DR V.? : No, as I have said, the only problem area is the course at Macquarie University, other problems I have not seen. MIA : What about the seeming lack of willingness by the young Slovenians to maintain their cultural heritage? Is the Foreign Ministry concerned with the issue of encouraging cultural awareness and if so, what are the specific policies it follows? DR V.: No, no there are no specific guideline for anyone, different communities have different needs, so there are no specific guide-line, you must first asses the situation, then see what to do and then after this you can take action to help them. emigrants are biased towards the English language, they feel no less 'Slovenian than people who speak the language fluently? DR. V.: In the time that I have had this job I have learned something - of course it is very important that Slovenians speak Slovenian, but it is not the only thing if you want to be a Slovenian. I can freely say, that I know people who can speak Slovenian very well, but do not feel that they are Slovenian. On the other hand, I know people who don t speak the language at all, but still feel that they are Slovenian. Language is not the only thing required for one to be a Slovenian. MIA : Do you therefore agree with the format of publications such as the Australian Slovenian Review, which is written in the English language for Slovenians? DR V. : Yes, the Slovenians in Italy have a similar publication, which publishes articles in Italian, Slovenian and also in the Venetian dialect. I think it would be good if you added a Slovenian page to your paper. MIA : How willing is the Slovenian government to financially assist these types of publication and to encourage further participation of young Slovenians in the radio and print media? DR V.: There is no funding at the moment...maybe it would be a good suggestion. But you know, with the new government... funding is always a problem of money. MIA: Thank you very much for your time Dr. Vencelj. MIA : How willing are Slovenians to accept, that although the second and third generation DRV : Thank you. Slovenia offeres help to continue the studies of the Slovenian Language at Macquarie University, Sydney Prof. Dr. Vencelj, State Extract from a statement from the Secretary for Slovenes Embassy of the Republic of Sloveni around the world, at the hHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHMHHHHHHi time of his visit to Australia in November 1994, had talks at Macquarie University and with Mrs Marija Senear, President of the Slovenian Studies Trust, concerning some financial problems related to the continuation and maintenance of the Slovenian lectureship. The Office for Slovenes outside Slovenia, in collaboration with the Slovenian Ministry of Education and the Faculty of Philosophy at Ljubljana University, in order to promote Slovenian language studies in non-Slovenian universities, decided that it will: -Pay the amount of $42,000 to cover half of the agreed accrued debt of the Slovenian lectureship; -cover, from this year on, as by agreement between the two universities, the salary of the lecturer of the Slovenian language (the remaining expenses will be carried by Macquarie University). The Office for Slovenes outside Slovenia has already allocated $(AUS)42,000 with which it covered half the debt of the lectureship (according to University information) and thus made possible its continued unhindered function. We would like to express our appreciation for the tremendous efforts and contributions from the entire Slovenian Community in the establishment and successful continuation of the lectureship. Victorian Update By Lenti Lenko First of all, I would like to wish all readers of the ASR all the best in 1995! Since the last issue, a lot has been occurring within the Slovenian Community in Victoria. Although, the news might now be a bit old, I must mention the very successful celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the Slovenian Association Melbourne which took place on the weekend of the 19th and 20th of November last year. I must admit that this event was one of the best, if not the best prepared that I have ever seen in the history of the Slovenian Community in Victoria. There was something on offer for everyone over the 2 days from an excellent art and craft exhibition to a superbly prepared cultural program highlighting all the main happenings in the club over the last 40 years. May I take this opportunity to congratulate the many people involved in organising such a successful weekend. All the Slovenian associations in Victoria celebrated the traditional visiting of "Sveti Miklavz" as well as the traditional boxing day dances. New Years eve saw a large number of our Slovenian Youth attend the New Years Eve dances which were held at every Slovenian Club. Just after New Year, the Slovenian Youth Group organised a very successful 2 day picnic at the Merzels farm in Daylesford. Around 40 people both young and old enjoyed themselves immensely. The "hrana" was absolutely terrific and many thanks must go to those who helped prepare it all. A special thanks to Mr and Mrs Stefan and Milena Merzel who have allowed us to camp on their properly for the 3rd year in a row. Every year, the Slovenian Religious and Cultural Centre in Kew organises a camp which is held at the Greyfriars Christian Camp at Mt Eliza. This year, 2 weeks were organised, the 1st catering more for families and the older generation whilst the 2nd week catered more toward the youth and younger generation. Both weeks enjoyed very good attendances. These yearly retreats are excellent value for money and it gives Slovenians both young and old the opportunity to get away from it all for a week or two of relaxation. Many thanks must go to Pater Tone and the Slovenian Religious Centre in Kew for organising the camps every year. Now is the time when all our Slovenian organisations are preparing their "pust" or masquerade dances. Before everybody know it, we'll be eating easter eggs again. Before I conclude, I must mention something that has occurred in Melbourne of a more serious nature. On Thursday 15 December 1994, a member of the Slovenian band Karantanija had all his musical equipment stolen. The value of everything taken was over $20,000. The items stolen were - 2 Zupan button accordions, 1 black Hohner piano accordion, Ibanez Bass guitar and a Peavey bass amplifier head and speaker box. If anyone has any information regarding the missing equipment, or if anything suspicious turns up at a Slovenian Club in any capital city, please contact the police or (03) 8538136. This equipment is all of sentimental value and any information will be greatly appreciated. Until next time, all the best. By Samanlha Pencar What a fabulous weekend! As I helped collect glasses and bottles from tables at the conclusion of the Sunday night dance, I felt a sense of relief, achievement and satisfaction. The biggest event of the Slovenian Association's Melbourne calendar had successfully concluded. After months of planning, preparation, rehearsing and organisation, it surely was the most memorable and spectacular event since the Association's inception forty years. The weekend was a great success. The weekend of the 19th and 20th of November 1994 had been chosen to celebrate and display the Slovenian culture to those who visited "nas hribcek". There were activities for all age groups and various interests. Whilst sporting competitions took place, children could have their faces painted, others could view the magnificent art exhibition under the beautifully decorated marquee or the cake exhibition. The Research CFA also had one of their fire trucks on display. The inflatable castle was popular with the young children, while others glanced, laughed and reminisced over photos albums. Personally, the highlight of the weekend was the cultural program, not only because of my involvement, but because I learnt of the history of the Slovenian Association in Melbourne and the events leading up to the 40th Anniversary. With the theme "40 years through the looking glass" the audience was captivated by scenes of yester-year, including the first meeting of the Slovenian Association in Melbourne, picnics and sporting competitions in Wandin East and Sunbury, and dinner dances in Broadmeadows and St. Albans. The audience was given a taste of the time with our talented singers and dancers ranging from folk dances performed in national costume to rock'n'roll of the sixties where the guys arrived in a Fico (Fiat 500) and then to the chicken dance, which reminded us of the humble beginning of our Slovenian School (as it was a 'chook shed' which served as the classroom). The weekend certainly showed how very much alive the Slovenian culture is "na nasem hribcku", and also within our hearts. As the final song ("We are Australian") of the cultural program was sung, the lyrics linked Slovenians to Australia - we, our parents or grandparents, came here from a country far away to make a new life, be part of a new culture and become Australian, yet we still remember and cherish Slovenia in our hearts. The 40th Anniversary celebration of the Slovenian Association in Melbourne was a time for rejoicing. The weekend was a marvellous display of arts, sport, dance, food and fun. Never before has there been a more impressive function, one that everyone present was proud to be associated with. The weekend and its festivities were a tribute to all involved. Congratulations! 40th Anniversary Celebrations Slovenian Association Melbourne Media Watch# The Australian 25/1/95 Capitalism loses its shine for governments of Eastern Europe "Privatisation is starting to strike some governments as a reform to be skipped. Being a sluggish privatiser has not, after all, stopped Slovenia from having Eastern Europe's highest income per head" The Australian 1/2/95 Things go right for Coke in Poland "The new activities will also complement Coca Cola Amatel's other interests in Austria Hungary, the Czech and Slovak republics, Belarus, Ukraine and Slovenia." The Australian 6/2/95 Weekend Score-board World Cup ski jump at Falun D. Jekovec (Slvn) 227.5 pts (88.5/90.5) 5th. The Australian 7/3/95 Overall world Cup leadership 2nd place is J. Kosir (from Slovenia) with 700 points Illawa: a Mercury 15/2/95 Slovenians celebrate growth An article on the 25th anniversary of the Slovenian- Australian club at Figtree in Wollongong appeared under the above heading. A picture accompanied the article featuring Rabeka Rudolf and friends in Slovenian national costume. Good one guys! Recently bought back from Slovenia Mcdonald's in Ljubljana Remember the Big Mac Promo " Two all beef patties special sauce lettuce, cheese, pickles, onion on a sesame seed bun." Try and say it in Slovenian. Find it on the place mat copy below. We wander what the fastest time was for this Slovenian tongue twister. Help Us Find Out About Slovenia's Presence in the Media We want you to send us clippings or copies of j any stories you may find in the media about Slovenia Whether it is controversial, general news trivia, fact, good or bad. We want to hear about it ,and so do ail our readers They may be in newspapers, magazines, books, or even on TV or radio. On sports results in "The Australian " (Slavj is Slovakia and (Slvn) is Slovenia. These two countries are often confused, not fust in sports results but, in all sorts of issues as the abbreviations are often the same for both, in different areas of the media. McDonald's y Ljubljani! Hamburger I Cheeseburger Sesekljan goveji zrezek s ketchupom in gorčico obdan s koščki čebule, kumaric in sira. Pommes frites Zlato zapečeni krompirčki Big Mac Dva sočna goveja sesekljana zrezka v posebej slastni omaki obložena s sirom, svežo šolalo, rezinami kumarice in čebule v mehkem sezamovem hlebčku. Dvojni hamburger / Cheeseburge Dva sesekljana zrezka svežega govejega mesa. oblita s ketchupom in gorčico ter s koščki čebule, kumaric in sira. Topli napitki Kava. kakav Shake Mlečni napitki z okusom čokolade, vanilije all jagod. Hladni napitki Coca Cola, Fanta, Sprite Sladoled s čokoladnim, karamelnim ali jagodnim prelivom M J McDonald's Samo najboljše je dovolj dobro. Dobrodošli v McDonald'su. Prepričani smo, da se bosle z Vašo družino in s prijatelji v naši restavraciji prijetno počutili. V McDonald'su slovimo po tem. da znamo hitro in prijazno poskrbeli za svoje goste. Ln dobro hrano. Naši hamburgerji so pripravljeni iz najboljšega govejega mesa. Prav tako kot sir. mleko, krompirček in solata, so zmeraj sveži in preverjeni. V McDonald'su boste za svoj denar dobiii to, kar pričakujete! Dober tok. če želite lahko hrano v priročni embaloži odnesete tudi s seboj. Serves: 5 Ingrediants 10 medium sized plums (washed and de-boned) Sugar 1kg of potatoes 2 eggs Haifa cup of plain flour Salt 150g of unsalted butter One tablespoon of breadcrumbs This popular Slovenian dish can be served either as a main course or as a dessert. Traditionally it is made during the late summer months, when plums are in season. In Australian grocery stores it is hard to find the dark blue plums which grow in the orchards throughout Slovenia, instead I use blood plums or any other sweet variety. Method Cook the unpeeled potatoes in boiling water with a pinch of salt. Drain them and peel them while they are still hot. Mash the potatoes with a fork in a large mixing bowl, until there are no lumpy bits left. Add eggs, flour and a pinch of salt and mix with a wooden spoon until the ingredients stick together. Place dough on to a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, adding extra flour if required. Roll the dough to 1cm thickness, then cut into squares, which should be large enough to cover the entire plum. Place the plum into the middle of the square, together with a teaspoon of sugar, Form a perfectly sealed and nicely rounded dumpling, roll the flour and cook in boiling water for approx 15 minutes (until the dumpling floats to the surface). Meanwhile, melt the butter and fry the breadcrumbs. Pour over the dumplings and serve. Add extra sugar or honey if required. Slivovi Cmoki - Plum Dumplings mm Hair Designers Unisex Hair Salon for Elegance and Style Shop 3/163 Rowe Street Eastwood 2122 TeJ: 804 6343 mm Advertising in the ASR You too can ADVERTISE your business or association in this space increase awareness of your business to a fast expanding network of Australian Slovenians. Call Robert Suber for more details on Tel (013)410 135 or (02) 774 2216 Fax (02) 574 4583 ■k i