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“IN RECOGNITION OF THE OPENING OF THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CONSULATE OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E540 on April 16, 2002.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN RECOGNITION OF THE OPENING OF THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CONSULATE OF
THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC
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HON. MIKE THOMPSON
of california
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, April 16, 2002
Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the official opening of the Northern California Consulate of the Slovak Republic in Walnut Creek, CA.
The Slovak Republic became a free and independent Republic in January 1993, and in June 2001, opened their new embassy in Washington, DC. The Slovak people are determined in their quest for liberty, dignity, and cultural and economic independence.
The United States continues to be the beneficiary of the work, sacrifice, and patriotism of citizens of Slovak heritage, who have earned recognition and respect throughout our land, including the agricultural fields and the technological and academic centers in California.
Barbara Pivnicka, Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic in northern California, was appointed in June 2001 by Eduard Kukan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, with approval by the U.S. State Department, to establish a Consulate of the Slovak Republic in California.
I am pleased that the Honorable Martin Butora, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Republic to the United States, and his wife, Dr. Zora Butorova, are visiting the San Francisco Bay Area this month for the purpose of officially opening the Consulate of the Slovak Republic in San Francisco.
A number of activities and celebratory events are taking place in recognition of the opening of the Consulate and the visit by the Slovak Ambassador, including a reception at the Fairmont Hotel on the day of the official opening.
It is an honor for me to welcome Ambassador Butora and Dr. Butorova to northern California, and to congratulate and welcome the Consulate of the Slovak Republic to northern California.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the efforts of the many Slovak and American citizens in making this opening possible. This Consulate will be a tremendous asset to people of the Slovak Republic and the United States.
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