Magyar News, 2002. szeptember-2003. augusztus (13. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2003-05-01 / 9. szám
Hungarian Iraqi training halted Some recruits are already working in southern Iraq Hungarian News Agency, MTI The United States has suspended a training program for Iraqi dissidents in Hungary, without explaining why. The program at the Taszar airbase was originally designed to prepare 3,000 exiles for non-combat roles in Iraq with the title of Free Iraqi Forces. Local media report that just 80 volunteers have finished their training. The first group of about 50 landed in the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr about a week ago to support US units delivering humanitarian aid. A spokesman for the Training Task Force running the camp, Major Robert Stem, declined to comment on suggestions that the program had ended because of a lack of volunteers. Hungarians oppose war The second group, said to number 26, finished their training on Friday. "I can confirm that the second group of volunteers has departed," Major Stem said. "Our focus is now to integrate this second group of volunteers with the coalition forces in iraq so they can begin their work there." Hungarian media reports said the tent camp at the airbase, erected in January, was now being dismantled. A Hungarian Government spokesman told the state-run MTI news agency that the end of the program brought an end to Hungary's contribution to the war in Iraq. Recent polls indicate that at least 70% of Hungarians oppose the war. Last week opposition leaders asked the government to withdraw Hungary's name from a list of countries supporting the US- led action. Not 'spies' The Hungarian Government agreed to the training program on the grounds that the dissidents were not prepared for combat. "We were told at first that they were training to be translators, then we were told they were civilian administrators," the mayor of the nearby town of Kaposvár told the BBC. A trainee said his job would be to carry out civilian duties, providing a point of contact between coalition forces and Iraqi civilians. "I'll be helping international relief organizations and the Americans," he said. Officials at the camp denied the trainees would work as spies. The volunteers were recruited from Iraqi opposition groups around the world, although most were living in the United States. f The Eighth Annual HUNGARIAN STUDIES RESEARCH WORKSHOP June 20-26, 2003 A Research Opportunity for Teachers (K-12 or College Faculty) regardless of the subject or level you teach on the campus of the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Independent Scholars are also invited. Free Housing Scholarships are available at the lllini Towers featuring dorm suites with refrigerator, stove, private bedroom, & semi-private bath. LEARN ABOUT ANOTHER COUNTRY, ANOTHER CULTURE Learn about Hungary's history, language, literature, music, food, folk customs, current conditions, etc. -- through library research, Hungarian films with subtitles, and interaction with other Hungarian researchers. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HUNGARY A country which rebelled against Communism in 1956 and since 1990 is in transition from over 40 years of imposed Communism to a vibrant free market democracy-a full NATO member since 1999 and an applicant for European Union membership.A country whose history stretches back to 896 when Chief Arpad led seven tribes from Asia across the Carpathian Mountains to found a new nation; whose first Christian King, Stephen (later canonized as a saint) in 1001 received a crown from Pope Sylvester that still can be seen in the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest; a people whose Diet in 1568 declared religious liberty for all; a country whose 1,100 year old tragic history includes: Mongol invasions, Tartar invasions, Turkish occupation, Hapsburg domination, and 20th Century dismemberment. HOW CAN I GET COMPLETE DETAILS? The Hungarian Studies Workshop is part of the Summer Research Laboratory (SRL) conducted by the Russian and East European Center (REEC) at the University of Illinois from mid-June through early August. For details, contact: Sandy Reasor, REEC, 104 International Studies Building, University of Illinois , Champaign, Illinois 61820. Telephone: (217) 333-1244 or e-mail: reec@uiuc.edu Complete details and application can be downloaded from www.reec.uiuc.edu/srl.htm The Hungarian Workshop meets daily, except Sunday, to share research projects: (Weekdays: 10 AM-Noon, Saturday: 1:30-3:30 PM) For answers to specific questions, contact: tiszafolyo@yahoo.com Arthur A. Bartfay 2987 Trentwood Road Columbus, Ohio 43221 If you live near the University of Illinois campus, you are welcome to visit our sessions on one or more days. Call the REEC to confirm the time and room locations plus the days & times of the scheduled Hungarian films. Illinois teachers will receive 4.5 CPDUs for attending the Saturday afternoon June 28 Symposium on: "The Young and the Restless: Youth on the move from Russia and Eastern Europe.” J Page 7 V
