III 112th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 212 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 21 (legislative day, June 16), 2011 Mr. Harkin (for himself, Mrs. Shaheen, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Barrasso, Mr. Brown of Ohio, and Mr. Portman) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Congratulating the people and Government of the Republic of Slovenia on the twentieth anniversary of the country's independence.

Whereas, on December 23, 1990, the people of Slovenia voted overwhelmingly in favor of independence from the former Yugoslavia in a national referendum; Whereas, on June 25, 1991, the Republic of Slovenia declared itself as an independent and sovereign nation; Whereas, on December 23, 1991, the parliament of Slovenia adopted a constitution based on the rule of law, respect for human rights, and democratic ideals; Whereas, during its 20 years of independence, Slovenia has been an important United States ally in Central Europe and a strong advocate of democracy, the rule of law, and the merits of an open, free market economy; Whereas the Government of Slovenia has made important contributions to international efforts to promote peace, stability, and development in Southeast Europe, Afghanistan, and elsewhere; Whereas the Government of Slovenia serves as a leader in efforts to remove destructive land mines in parts of Southeast Europe and in other parts of the world; Whereas Slovenia has become an active member of international organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe, the World Trade Organization, the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development; and Whereas Slovenia has further consolidated its international role through successful chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in 2005, and, as the first new member from Central and Eastern Europe, the presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2008: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate hereby— (1)congratulates the people and the Government of the Republic of Slovenia as the country celebrates 20 years of independence on June 25, 2011; (2)commends the people of Slovenia on the significant progress made in the last 20 years; (3)recognizes the important role of the Slovenian community in the United States to promote partnership and cooperation between the two countries; and (4)encourages the Government of the Republic of Slovenia to continue its important work in the transatlantic alliance, and the efforts to further peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Europe and elsewhere.