Magyar News, 1990. november-1991. augusztus (1. évfolyam, 1-10. szám)
1991-07-01 / 9-10. szám
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Balogh: I am writing to you to tell you about my involvement with Hungarian issues since coming to the Senate. I have become increasingly convinced that this will be one of the key issues in Eastern Europe in coming years. And because of your strong interest in Hungary and the international Hungarian community, I thought that you would be interested in my work in this area. I have made a particular point of defending Hungarian minority rights in Romania, the home of more than 1 million Hungarians. On April 17, I met with the Romanian Prime Minister, Petre Roman, to stress the importance of improving the treatment of his country's Hungarian minority. I pointed out to him that, despite the fall of Ceausescu, Romania's Hungarian community still faces restrictions in organizing political parties, broadcasting on the media, and teaching classes in its native language. I said I was particularly upset about the the anti-Hungarian riots that took place in March 1990. During these riots, András Suto, the well-known Hungarian writer, was beaten badly and lost the sight of one eye. I reiterated to the Prime Minister that there can be no normalization of relations between the U.S. and Romania until discrimination and violence ends against the Hungarian community. The Prime Minster assured me that he understood my strong feelings about this issue and would convey them to President Iliescu. This was not the first time that I raised these issues with Romanian officials. I participated in a U.S. delegation that observed the national elections in Romania in May 1990. I told President Iliescu at the time that the future of U.S.-Romanian relations would depend in large part on the treatment of his country's Hungarian minority. To again underline this point, I plan to send him a recent speech that I have enclosed in this letter. On a more positive note, the political rights of Hungarians are fully ensured now in their native land. Hungarians can again breath the air of freedom for the first time in decades. In order to make certain that this freedom is preserved, the West, led by the United States, must help Hungary rebuild its economy. April 29, 1991 Page 2 Fortunately, of all the nations of Central Europe, Hungary is in the best position to recover from the devastation of communism and some progress has already taken place. For the first time in five years, Hungary reported a current account surplus in its dealings with hard currency countries. The key to this success was a rise in exports from the nation's small-and medium-sized businesses to the West. The native entrepreneurial spirit of Hungarians is to be applauded for this accomplishment. But this does not mean that all is well. There is still much to be done. Privatization efforts must continue, a shift away from trade with the Soviet Union must occur, and the social problems that accompany the kind of massive adjustment program that Hungary is now undertaking — the fall in real income in Hungary is projected to be a total of 8 % in 1990-91 — must be addressed. To assist Hungary in this difficult transition to a free market economy, I have introduced four bills and several amendments to the SEED I legislation, the foreign aid program for Hungary and Poland, that is designed to help the Hungarian private sector. Two of my proposals would offer help to small businessmen in Hungary through direct grants and joint ventures. In my role as a member of the Senate Small Business Committee, I also conducted a hearing on American prospects for doing business with Hungary and the other nations of Central Europe last year. I plan to have a follow-up hearing in the near future on this same subject. I remain committed to helping the Hungarian people as they move toward a market economy and continue to strengthen their growing democracy. For over four decades, the United States promised the Hungarian people that they would help if they would rid themselves of the shackles of communism. They succeeded beyond anyone's expectations. Now it is time for the United States to live up to its promise to help. I intend to do everything that I can to see that we do. I welcome your input as to how we can best aid Hungary. I am certain that you can provide valuable insight as to what is most needed. Tisztelettel és jö kivAnsäggal. Sincerely, Joseph I. Lieberman Senate Office Building Washington. DC 205 10 (202) 224-4041 STATt OFFICE One Commercial Plaza 21 st Floor Hartforo. CT 06103 203-240-3566 Toll Free: 1-800-225-5605 April 29, 1991 United States Senate WASHINGTON, DC 20510 JOSEPH I. LIEBERMAN C0NN6CTICUT committees: ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS SMALL BUSINESS Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Balogh 60 Tyrone Place Stratford, Connecticut 06497 rights in other countries. Until then, we must support their struggle with the same tenacity that we demonstrated in the fight against Communist tyranny.” Thank you Senator. Lieberman. I would like to print the closing words of his speech addressed to the President. This is what Senator Lieberman said: “...Hungarians have now discovered freedom in their homeland. But they will not be fully free until they have these same We always like to know what goes on in our government, how are our affairs handled, and what is the opinion of our leaders on matters that are close to our heart. This is the reason that I am printing this letter I received from Senator Joseph I. AMERICAN CONCERN ABOUT HUNGARIANS
