#17: Liechtenstein's first honorary consul to S.e. USA. 07.7.11=3 0:30am.

http://tinyurl.com/2d47gn

"Liechtenstein's first honorary consul is in Bibb", By Linda S.: Morris
"Dr. Bruce Allen, left, talks with guests during a luncheon ceremony Monday at Idle Hour Country Club in Macon where he was named the first honorary consul of Liechtenstein."
' History was made Monday in Bibb County.

The first honorary consul in the world for the Principality of Liechtenstein - Macon native Dr. Bruce Allen - was named during a luncheon ceremony at Idle Hour Country Club. '
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' There are two types of consuls who have similar duties. A career consul is a citizen of the sending country, and an honorary consul is a citizen of the receiving country. Allen will set up the consulate office in his north Bibb County home.

One of Allen's duties will be to help build business relationships between Liechtenstein and the southeastern United States, he said.

Allen was chosen for the position from a number of candidates, said Claudia Fritsche, Liechtenstein's ambassador to the United States. '
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' Monday's event also was attended by several local and state officials. "With this appointment, Liechtenstein becomes the 60th nation in Georgia to have some sort of presence - be it diplomatic, a trade office or a full-time career consul or an honorary consul - which is a huge milestone," said Chris Young, Georgia's chief of protocol. Young was representing Gov. Sonny Perdue, who could not be at the event.

"Countries around the world are understanding that all of Georgia ... is strategic in the Southeast. Anytime a country chooses to locate a consulate (office) in Georgia, first of all we are extremely honored because that nation has recognized something special about our state. But second of all, we are excited because these offices will springboard to build both diplomatic and commercial relationships."

To contact writer Linda S. Morris, call 744-4223. '