[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 42 (Tuesday, April 16, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E540]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE OPENING OF THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CONSULATE OF 
                          THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC

                                 ______
                                 

                           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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