1987. Különkiadvány, 1987.10.01 / HU_BFL_XIV_47_2
The releasing of information mu6t be a part of Hungary'• atrategy on protecting the rights of the minorities. Bút thia ie alsó necessary to give domestic public opinion a clear overviev of tbe aituation. The auppression of facta vould give free rein to nationalist fantaaiea. Letting history dominete the polemics to the exclusion of everything elee vould inevitably máké tvo questions the decÍ6Íve iasuea: Who came first to Transylvania? And vhicb pre-1945 régimé aerved nazi Germany the better? Vhereas the question of primary importance must be: To vhat rights are the 2.0 to 2.5 millión Hungárián nov living in Románia entitled? It is necessary to support the voluntary public initiatives. Instead of supporting independent initiatives to aid the minorities, the State is hampering such initiatives every vay possible. Ontil this practice is changed, it vili he impossible to take seriously the official statements made on behalf of the Hungárián minorities living beyond our borders. The groups of resourceful citizens are able to reach alsó areas and people that the State agencies cannot; to gather information that cannot be obtained through official channels; and to give the kind of help that the atate is unable to provide. And it is alsó essier to táp society's generosity from belov than through official drives.- There must nőt be any recurrence of tbe unseemly fuss that preceded the licensing of the Gábor Bethlen Foundation. The priváté foundations and other groups must nőt be cut off from the public, as this is happening Bince the Gábor Bethlen Foundation's licensing. Indeed, it is necessary to support them (vith State 6ubsidies, vith the taz exemption of donations, etc.).- The 6tate must recognize that the connections of the churches and religious communities are one of the most effective vays of delivering aid, and must abandon its attempts to control and restrict these connections.- The fact of our belonging to the same alliance cannot justify the collusion betveen Hungárián bordér guards and the neighboring countries' authorities. To prevent the export of Hungárián-language production6 is contrary to the obligations assumed in the Helsinki Declaration and violates Hungary's national interest6. The 6tate has a duty to protect its citizens from the harassment to vhich the authorities of the neighboring countrie6 —primarily Románia—subject them. It must stand up in defense of the citizens' rights and dignity. The opportunities fór intemational reconciliation must be sought. The State itself can do much to promote international reconciliation:- By per6Í6tently urging a solution of the minority isBue on the hasis of reciprocity and cooperation;- By nőt confusing protection of the rights of the minorities vith a policy directed against the neighboring countries' interests; 7-S •» ! ?i
