Happy evening for a sad reason

It was a sad occasion when the Swedish Consulate General of New York held its farewell party at the beautiful consular residence on Park Avenue, where in the past so many interesting projects have been celebrated and so many fascinating people have had reason to gather. 

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  "You all know why we're here tonight," said Consul General Alf Karlsson about the somber occasion. "Thank you all from me and the staff. We've had an ongoing and long-lasting cooperation in many fields; we hope this will continue."

• For Swedes in this part of America, it's difficult to fathom how such a decision could come to pass. New York is, as we all know, not only the city of bright lights that we here are proud to call home, it is also the unquestionable capitol of the world in art, film, fashion, food and entertainment. Sweden has been heavily and beautifully promoted by the talented and hardworking staff of the consulate. What has it meant? That a piece of the Big Apple, a good piece actually, has been distinctively blue and yellow. While the Consulate General of Sweden will indeed close at the end of this month, an Honorary Consulate will open at 445 Park Avenue, 21st floor. The Honorary Consulate General will be responsible for Swedish commercial, cultural, and public affairs in New York, working closely with the embassy in Washington.