Hungarian American Coalition News, 1997 (6. évfolyam, 1-2. szám)
1997 / 2. szám
Hungarian American Coalition HUNGARY INVITED TO JOIN NATO: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES On July 8, 1997, Hungary, along with Poland and the Czech Republic, was invited to join NATO. After the decision in Madrid, President Clinton proclaimed that it was “a very great day ... for the cause of freedom in the aftermath of the cold war.” Senator William V. Roth, Jr. (R-Del), chairman of the Senate’s NATO observer group, added that the decision was “a historic step toward a peaceful, democratic and undivided Europe.” The Coalition welcomes this major development. It has been the organization’s long-held conviction that an enlarged NATO will serve U.S. interests by strengthening democracy and promoting stability in Central and Eastern Europe. Many Hungarians also welcome NATO membership because they want to be part of a successful and defensive alliance. They recall how their quest for freedom and independence was brutally crushed by Soviet tanks in 1956 because Hungary was on the wrong side of Stalin’s dividing line. Two important questions must not be overlooked as the alliance takes on new members. First, the United States and its allies must guard against Russia exercising a “veto” in NATO matters as a result of the ambiguity of the Founding Act which NATO concluded and signed with Russia in May. Russia must not be permitted to exploit differences among NATO members or otherwise to undermine its effectiveness as an alliance. Second, if NATO is to continue to remain a source of stability based on democracy and market economy, it must ensure that minority rights will not be swept under the rug during the prolonged accession period and beyond. An enlarged NATO, whose core function is to defend its members from outside aggression, cannot alone ensure ethnic peace. Ethnic tensions in the region are caused by intolerant and discriminatory practices and policies aimed at curtailing the ability of historical communities to preserve their unique identities. Only enlightened and Western-style policies, such as granting minorities the right to cultural autonomy and local self-government, will defuse such tensions, not bilateral treaties concluded by bordering states. The Coalition is optimistic that the Senate debate will focus on these critical issues and lead to early ratification of an enlarged and stronger NATO and a more secure Europe. Frank Koszorús, Jr. MAY VISIT TO SLOVAKIA The Hungarian American Coalition continues its commitment to focus attention in the US on the worsening situation of the Hungarian minority in Slovakia. During her May 21-22 visit to Bratislava, Coalition President Edith Lauer met with U.S. Ambassador Ralph Johnson to discuss ways in which the Hungarian community could be better informed and begin to participate in US assistance projects in Slovakia. In the headquarters of Csemadok, (the Cultural Association of Hungarians of Slovakia), Mrs. Lauer presented a personal contribution to be used in the restoration of the building. After a press conference, discussions were held with leaders of the Hungarian community, including Edit and Viktor Bauer, László Dobos, Péter Kollár, and Rezső Szabó. Ambassador and Mrs. Johnson’s afternoon visit to Csemadok was followed by a festive dinner hosted by leaders of the Hungarian community. (left to right) Péter Kollár, President of Csemadok; Edit Bauer, Member of the Slovak Parliament; Anne Johnson, wife of U.S. Ambassador; Ralph Johnson, U.S. Ambassedor; Edith Lauer, President of HAC; Rezső Szabó, Ethnic Hungarian leader in Slovakia; (standing in back) Jenő Boros, Hungarian Ambassador to Slovakia; (sitting) Dr. Viktor Bauer, former President of Csemadok
