Hungarian American Coalition News, 2003 (12. évfolyam, 1-2. szám)
2003 / 2. szám
Hungárián American Coalition September 2003 Vol. 12, No. 2 HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION ON THREE-WEEK VISIT TO WASHINGTON English Classes Round Out Public Policy Seminar Hungarian Parliamentarians with Marine Corps at Iwo Jima Memorial Hungarian Official Weighs Survey of Hungarian-American Communities Annual ITT-OTT Conference Draws 150 to Shores of Lake Hope The Hungarian Communion of Friends (Magyar Baráti Közösség-MBK) held its annual conference for 150 participants at Lake Hope State Park in Zaleski, OH, August 16-23. This year’s program featured Dr. József Bálint- Pataki, Director of the Office of Hungarians Abroad, the Budapest-based government institute. Dr. Bálint- Pataki addressed current relations between the Hungarian government and Hungarian minorities in surrounding countries and abroad. In the ensuing discussion, audience members urged Dr. Bál int-Pataki to support a comprehensive sociological survey of Hungarian-American institutions. “The Hungarian government has never undertaken such a survey, and it is long overdue,” said András Ludányi, an MBK Board Member. “If we are to develop effective programs to enhance our institutions, we need up-to-date information about the realities of Hungarian-American life.” (continued on page 2) On July 7-27, a delegation of 22 members of the Hungarian Parliament visited Washington, D.C., to take part in an intensive seminar focused on U.S. policy toward Hungary and Europe. The program was cosponsored by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Hungarian American Coalition. The legislators - all members of the FIDESZ party - participated in briefings and exchanges with U.S. government institutions and non-governmental organizations. “These exchanges in Washington will give us a whole new basis for our future discussions [with U.S. officials] in Budapest,” said Gábor Tamás Nagy, a Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Hungarian Parliament. (continued on page 2) Hungarian American Coalition Leaders Meet with George H. Walker, U.S. Ambassador-Designate to Hungary From left to right: Charles Vámossy, Ferenc Koszorús, Jr., Emese Latkóczy, Amb. George H. Walker, László Hámos, Peter Soltész (See article, page 4)
