A WELCOME FROM THE SLOVENES TO PRESIDENT CLINTON ON THE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER
Welcoming words from President of the Republic of Slovenia Milan Kucan

Ljubljana, 21 June 1999



Dear Slovenes and fellow-citizens,

I am sure that we are all happy and proud to be able to welcome among us today the president of the USA Mr W. J. Clinton, Mrs Hillary Clinton, our friend Mrs Madeleine Albright if I may be permitted so to describe her, and the rest of President Clinton’s entourage.

I consider his visit here a confirmation of the friendship that exists between the USA and Slovenia and a confirmation of the fact that Slovenia is a credible partner in dialogue with the United States of America on numerous issues affecting the world, Europe and the Balkans.

I am sure you know that the president comes here following very successful discussions at the French-American, German-American and Russian-American summits, and after the meeting of the G7 group of countries, and that this is his first appearance since then. I am sure we shall listen attentively to what he has to tell our city, our country, Europe, and the world after these meetings.

Today is the first day of summer. Even the rain can not change that. Ginger Rogers is not with us (Note: the president was thinking of Gene Kelly), and there are not many among you who still remember the film ‘Singing in the Rain’. But with the perseverance which we have shown throughout history, you are here. This is proof of the friendly spirit in which we welcome the president of the USA. With this perseverance and attention we shall listen to him. Thank you.