Magyar News, 1993. szeptember-1994. augusztus (4. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1994-07-01 / 11-12. szám

THE AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF HUNGARIANS Purpose and Nature: The American Counci 1 of the World Fed­eration of Hungarians is a non-profit 501 (c) corporation headquartered in New Jer­sey. Its primary purpose is to act as an American support organization for the World Federation of Hungarians, a non­partisan, non-political civic organization established in Hungary 55 years ago to provide aid and humanitarian assistance to refugees, reinforce the spiritual unity and integrity of Hungarians throughout the world and preserve the Hungarian language and culture. The World Federation of Hun­garians’ membership includes Hungarians and those of Hungarian descent from all walks of life interested in preserving the rich cultural heritage of Hungary. The nature of the organization’s activity is in conformity with requirements and regulations of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 and corresponding provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Law for federally tax exempt organizations. Activities to be Conducted The meetings of the Executive Commit­tee, Board of Directors and convention will be called by the president as per require­ments of the by-laws or could be called by the majority of the members on request. The location of the meetings will be designated by the Executive Committee and may be held in any city or municipality of the United States. The past meetings of the Executive Committee and the Conven­tion were held in New York City. The December 4,1993 meeting of the Board of Directors was held in Washington, DC. These meetings are open for attendance by any individual or organization members of theCouncil—without vote unless an elected representative or delegate. Requirements of Members to Partici­pate There are two categories of membership: individuals and organizations. They are required to submit written application for membership, pay yearly dues and expected to participate in the various activities of the Council. Such participation is voluntary and not a mandatory requirement to main­tain membership. Apart from expressing agreement with the aims and purposes of the Organization, complying with the certi­fication and by-laws and paying dues, there are no other requirements for a member to maintain membership. Dues, Charges and Fees Regular yearly membership dues of the Council are established as follows: Individual members - $50.00; Organizations - $50.00 - $250.00. Accomplishments One of the most important activities was a fund raising dinner in Washington, DC on February 17, 1994. This was attended by 350 people and the American Council’s immediate intent was to provide aid to the over 80,000 registered Balkan refugees, irrespective of nationality, now encamped in Hungary, as well as the 250,000 dis­placed persons on the outside of its border. Funds raised that evening would secure medical supplies, provide educational tools and rehabilitate families through the well­­established channels of The Hungarian In­terchurch Aid (HIA)/The Hungarian Ecu­menical Council, The Peace Corps, and other recognized charitable organizations. The most important function of the World Federation is to unite all Hungarians wher­ever they may live in the world. This is the only such organization that binds those in the Mother-country, in the Carpathian ba­sin and the diaspora. There are many groups and associations doing wonderful work in favor of Hungarians and World Federation brings them all together, shares their infor­mation, mobilizes support and fosters co­operation. In the United States the American Coun­cil is the representative arm of the World Federation of Hungarians. HAVE WHEELS, WILL TRAVEL Despite all the promises raising hope in Hungary, it is still an up-hill battle with new facets. Many western corporations are in­vesting in manufacturing in the Eastern European countries. Among them naturally investing into Hungary. The good part of it is creating work for the people there. At the same time they are pulled into a market with all the uncertainty that goes with it. This means that on short notice people could lose their jobs, jobs that they are so dependent on. Now, in the automobile in­dustry something new has developed. There seem to be a trade war rising above the horizon among these countries. Hungary doesn’t seem to be in a bad position. Ford is investing $83 million into Székesfehérvár to produce fuel pumps and coils. Audi/VW is spending $420 million to build an assembly plant. Suzuki is buying into a production that will have the annual capacity of 8,000 Swifts with $250 million and 60% ownership. General Motors for $300 million will have 67% of the Szentgotthárd factory that puts out 10,000 Opels. This ads up to over $1 billion. Poland received only $98 million, but for $2 billion sold 90% to Fiat for a factory that makes 200,000 cars annually. The biggest sales was the Czech Skoda plant where VW paid $5.6 billion for 70% ownership. It will be a rough ride and it will take time to see how far these nations could travel with the wheels they just got. NATO MEMBERSHIP FOR HUNGARY WASHINGTON — Saying “the time has come for the United States to lead,” Con­gressman Benjamin A. Gilman unveiled legislation to facilitate full NATO mem­bership for Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia within five years. “In undertaking difficult economic and political reforms and placing their military under civilian control, these nations have demonstrated their commitment to the val­ues and principles for which NATO stands,” Gilman said. Transition assistance provided under the bill would be used to “support and encour­age” integration of the armed forces of these four countries into NATO by means of joint training exercises and standardiza­tion of military equipment. • •■ANDTHE PARKING METER keeps on ticking What does Fort Lee have to do with the Hungarians? It is hard to tell. There must be some reason for it because it was chosen by 50 Hungarian mayors and assemblymen to study democratic institutions there. It al­most seems like the country was left with­out local government for the time of this visit. It was a hands-on venture assisted with note writing and tape recordings. In this vast array of information one thing really stood out. It stood out so much that one would think that it will determine the future of the Hungarian towns. This one thing was the parking-meter. Not just the design, the ticking of the clock, but the whole organization that is behind the meters—and the big hungry pouch that takes innumerable coins to benefit the ad­ministration. So, beware Hungarian motorists because the parking-meters in your towns will start ticking the ticking will keep on going.-h-h page 3

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