Magyar News, 2002. szeptember-2003. augusztus (13. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2003-05-01 / 9. szám
Ambassador Horváth (right) being presented with the Connecticut State Flag by Hungarians of the state great victory for the ’values, promises and sacrifices of those many Hungarian bom now living abroad' said Dr. Horváth. Hungary will return once again to its place as a leader among the European nations following 2004, and Dr. Horváth added that the European Union will provide funds to help Hungarian culture flourish, and that between $300-5500 Billion in National Development funds will come to Hungary as a result of EU membership. QUESTIONS FOR AMBASSADOR HORVÁTH Presented with the opportunity to discuss issues less lofty than politics, some in the audience had questions for Hungary's representative. Budapest Stock Market Dr. Horváth was asked about the Hungarian Stock Exchange and whether of not it was a good idea to invest in stocks based in Budapest. The Consul General said that such an investment is a great idea. Hungary has come a long way from its communist past to a strong free market. He stated that Hungary has experienced among the most positive increase in the world over the last 12 months. It is secure to investments and features companies that are not only Hungarian but also international concerns. Hungarian relatives visiting the United States Dr. Horváth addressed the concern of some in the hall about their relative being unable to receive tourist visa's to visit relative in the United States. The Ambassador explained that this is an issue which he has no control over and that the best course of action is to contact your elected officials and lobby them, reminding them that Hungary is and always has been a good friend of the United States. He further addressed the issue of the Free Visa Policy that some nations can take advantage of. Under this program it is easier to receive a visa for travel to the United States, but that Hungary is not eligible. There are currently many Hungarians who come to the U.S. and stay illegally, and this is what spoils it for everyone else. Dr. Horváth said that the best shortterm course of action is for the U.S. State Department to differentiate between legitimate travel requests and illegal stays. Hungary's role in Operation Iraqi Freedom Dr. Horváth said that Hungary has played an important role in the training of administrative and public policy leaders who will build a Free Iraq following the regime change. Iraqi legislative leaders have gone through a civic training course at the NATO base in Taszár, Hungary. Dr. Horváth stated that Hungary has not received an increase risk to terrorism as a result of their strong support of the coalition. Despite the 'bashing statements from some foreign capitals' Hungary will not be forced to kowtow or change in its support of the Americans and British. Dr. Horváth said that "while we would prefer a peaceful solution, we cannot just sit back and do nothing. We have always believed that if Ladies of the Hungarian Community Hall prepare the delicious palacsinta there must be a unilateral action, military is justified as a last resort." Flag of Connecticut Presented to Ambassador Horvath A group of Hungarian American representatives and local officials presented the flag of Connecticut to Ambassador Gabor Horvath last Sunday at the Hungarian Club in Wallingford. The flag was presented as a souvenir to Dr. Horvath in commemoration of his trip to Connecticut, and the gift will serve to remind him of the warm feelings that many of Connecticut's residents have for Hungary. Connecticut has a large Hungarian- American population and many in the audience felt a strong cultural connection to their ancestral homeland in Europe as a result of the event. Following the brief presentation, everyone sat down to a home cooked meal of Chicken Paprikas and Palacsinta. HUNGARIAN TOURISM Éva Márkus and Anikó Sárközi of the Hungarian National Tourist Office, New York gave a presentation on what Hungary has to offer regarding travel. Ms. Sárközi and Ms. Márkus gave a video presentation and handouts on some of the landmarks in Budapest and around Hungary. Hungary they said is a great vacation spot because of the wealth of activities that exist. They pointed out that Hungary is a world famous spa destination, and is known for its diversity. Within just a few hours drive, you can tour the Lake Balaton area with its beaches, the vineyards of Tokaj and visit the hills near Miskolc. Budapest is internationally renowned as among one of the most beautiful cities in Europe if not the world. Budapest has a variety of restaurants, nightlife and museums that makes it an affordable vacation choice. Page 2
