Magyar News, 2002. szeptember-2003. augusztus (13. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2003-05-01 / 9. szám
Friendship in Freedom CONSUL GENERAL OF HUNGARY, AMBASSADOR GÁBOR HORVÁTH CAME TO CONNECTICUT TO SPEAK ON HUNGARY'S DOUBLE COMMITMENT. By Louis Bevilacqua Wallingford, CT. - Ambassador Horváth came to Connecticut for good friendship, good food and to discuss the current war in the Middle East. The Ambassador addressed a packed crowd of Hungarian-Americans and interested residents in the Hungarian Community Hall in Wallingford this past Sunday. Among the topics addressed were Hungary's membership in the European Union and her role as a member of the Coalition of the Willing determined to bring freedom to the people of Iraq. This Double Commitment between the U.S. and the E.U. will serve as a cornerstone in Hungary's foreign policy in the coming years. Ambassador Horváth said that Hungary is placed in a unique position to foster the relationship between Washington and Brussels as a member of the next round of EU integration. Following a presentation by Dr. Horváth, Éva Márkus and Anikó Sárközi of the Hungarian National Tourist Office provided an audio-visual tour of their homeland. Hungary has experienced 'deep transformation' over the past ten years as it has moved from communism to a market economy stated Dr. Horváth. Hungary is now Above: Ambassador Horváth addressing the audience. Below: Enjoying the good Hungarian lunch. Right: Eva Markus about Hungarian tourism. in a unique position to assist the United States as a partner for freedom as it joins the European Union in 2004. Ambassador Horváth pledged that Hungary will stick with the U.S. after membership and will never chose sides against her transatlantic partner. "We are committed to a strategic alliance with the United States. We helped to stop the dictator in the Kosovo crisis." Said Dr. Horváth "No one wants to see war, but is there really any other choice to get rid of the man with the moustache in Iraq?" "Hungary could not have gained freedom without the United States in 1990, we will not forget this great friendship." Said Dr. Horváth Post 1996 Hungary has secured its place among the strong free market nations in the world. Recently, Hungary was rated #6 in the world by the Financial Times in high Tech. Industry, and experiences an annual growth rate of 5.2% more than twice that of any Western European Nation. On April 12th, Hungary will hold a referendum on EU membership. Polls show overwhelming support for membership. Hungarian acceptance into the EU is a continued on page 2
