[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 136 (Thursday, October 11, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S10637]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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    THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE SLOVAK CONSULATE IN KANSAS CITY, MO

 Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
official opening in Kansas City, MO, of the Consulate of the Slovak 
Republic.
  Slovakia is a country full of rich history and tradition. It became a 
free and independent republic in 1993 and opened their new embassy in 
Washington, D.C. in June of 2001. Ross P. Marine, DHL, who is the 
Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic to the States of Iowa, Kansas, 
Missouri, and Nebraska was appointed by Eduard Kukan, Minister of 
Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, in September of 2000 and with 
approval by the United States Department of State established a 
Consulate of the Slovak Republic in Kansas City, Missouri. Currently 
there are consulates of the Slovak Republic in Colorado, Illinois, 
Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Ohio, California, Florida, and Michigan.
  The Honorable H.E. Martin Butora, PhD, Ambassador Extraordinary and 
Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Republic to the United States and his 
wife, Zora Butorova, PhD, will be visiting the Kansas City area the 
week of October 16-19, for the purpose of officially opening the 
Consulate of the Slovak Republic. There are a number of outstanding 
events planned to mark this exciting opening and the visit by 
Ambassador Butora. On behalf of the citizens I represent, I am pleased 
to welcome them to the great state of Missouri. Kansas City is a city 
that continues to experience tremendous growth and advances toward the 
future, while still recognizing and celebrating its proud history and 
vibrant culture. The added presence of the Slovak Republic will only 
serve to enhance Kansas City's history and culture. Once again, welcome 
and please accept my very best wishes on this special occasion.

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