Magyar News, 1997. szeptember-1998. augusztus (8. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1998-02-01 / 6. szám

expanding NATO to include Hungary

by Dr. Alexander Havadtoy

As we know recently the Hungarian people were asked if they want the country to become part of NATO. The Hungarians empowered the government to take the necessary steps. The 16 nations of NATO looked favorably at this decision. The United States of America is to ratify this. It seems to take time for the 66 senators to take a position on it. The two senators of Connecticut, Sen.

Dodd and Sen. Lieberman are supporting the Hungarians. Dr. Alexander Havadtoy (left) was invited to the conference and we are glad that he is sharing his experience with us.

During the first week of December a Conference took place in Washington concerning NATO extension and particularly Hungary's admission to membership in NATO. The Conference included the spokespersons of the White House, the U.S. Senate, the Department of State, the Embassy of the Hungarian Republic and leaders of the American Hungarian community. The purpose of the Conference was to seek broad bipartisan political and public support for NATO enlargement and to provide substantive assistance to U.S. Senators as they prepare for their important role in the ratification debate.

Europe is America's natural ally. It shares the same values; partakes, in the main, of the same religious heritage, practices the same democratic politics; and is the original homeland of a large majority of Americans. America can play an important role in the integration of nation-states into a shared supranational economic and eventually a political union of Europe. Success of such a union would create a single entity of about 400 million people. Such a Europe, living under a democratic roof, would be a beneficial partner of the United States of America. However such a union could never become a reality without the active participation of America.

NATO enlargement is the first active initiative which signifies drat the United States wants to remain a positive facilitatore of a democratic European union. It represents an historic opportunity to expand security, peace, prosperity and freedom across Europe in a way that increases American security, expands

American prosperity, and reinforces American freedom.

The admission of Hungary. Poland and the Czech Republic to NATO will strengthen NATO's collective defense against military threats. The threats are as real as war in the former Yugoslavia, rampant terrorism, and the spread of biological weapons. The contribution of Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic are already evident. They were present with Americans in the Gulf War. Their soldiers joined NATO forces in Bosnia. Hungary even provided military' bases. They are expanding democratic principles and respect for human rights. Because of conflict in the Balkans and the former Soviet Union, Europe has already buried more victims of war since the Berlin Wall fell than in all the years of the Cold War. It is sobering to recall that this violence has its roots in the same problems of shattered states and hatred among ethnic groups that tyrants exploited to start this century's great wars. The events of Bosnia remind us of what could happen to the three million ethnic Hungarians who live outside of Hungary's borders, under foreign domination.

We do not know what other dangers may arise 10, 20, or even 50 years from now. We do know enough from history and human experience to believe that a great threat, if allowed to arise, would arise. We know that whatever the future may hold, it will be in America's interest also to have a vigorous and larger alliance with those European democracies that share our values and our determination to defend them. NATO enlargement will bring economic prosperity and growth for Europe and the

United States. Half a century ago, NATO helped bring prosperity and growth to the West. Today, an enlarged NATO can do the same for Central Europe, ensuring that the region's strong economic growth is sustained and free market democracies are fostered. It will help stability to take root throughout Central and Eastern Europe, making all its countries more attractive to investors.

These countries of Central Europe should not be punished any longer because the agreement at Yalta left them on the wrong side of the Cold War line between freedom and tyranny. They share America's values and dreams. Their struggle against totalitarianism offers an impressive historical example of commitment to independence and freedom. Hungarian freedom fighters died heroically in 1956. The Prague Spring in 1968 offered the hope of freedom only to be crushed by Soviet tanks. Solidarity in Poland waged a decade-long campaign for freedom that found success in the events of 1989. Few countries on earth have bled more for their freedom. The willingness of Hungary to be on the side of freedom was demonstrated in a national plebiscite when 86% of the votes were cast for NATO membership.

Here are three nations that know what it means to lose their freedom and who will do what it takes to defend it. Here are three democracies that are ready to do their dependable part in the common enterprise of the alliance of democracies.

NATO enlargement will not be cost free. However, it is affordable for both current and prospective members. The Department

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