Magyar News, 2003. szeptember-2004. augusztus (14. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2004-01-01 / 5. szám
HUNGARY ON THE WORLD STAGE BY LOUIS BEVILACQUA Deputy Chief of Mission for the Republic of Hungary, Viktor Szederkényi spoke "before Hartford Business Leaders and the World Affairs Council. Hartford, CT. - Over 100 people attended the luncheon at the Hartford Club to hear Viktor Szederkényi, a high ranking Hungarian diplomat, speak of Hungary's place in the world. Mr. Szederkényi, who supervises all activities at the Hungarian Embassy in Washington addressed the crowd of business leaders and members of the World Affairs Council for more than 30 minutes and discussed Hungary's role in NATO and the European Union. relationship between Washington and Brussels as a member of the next round of EU integration." Regarding Hungary's commitment to the United States, the DCM reiterated that: "Hungary will remain a strong ally in the fight against international terrorism." Stated Mr. Szederkényi "We will always be strong friends and partners with the United States not competitors." Said Viktor Szederkényi "Terrorism threatens not just one country....no democratic nation is safe." Deputy Chief of Mission for the Republic of Hungary, Viktor Szederkényi Iraqi government officials in Taszár. Hungarian experts are in Iraq to help with the transition to a market economy, free elections and to a free press. NATO AND THE EUROPEAN UNION Hungary will be welcomed back as a 'full member of Europe' next year on May 1st when she joins the European Union, erasing divisions between Western and Central Europe imposed following World War II by the Soviet Union. Budapest served as a leading cultural force in Bob Adamsky, JP MorganChase Bank, Deputy Chief of Mission, Viktor Szederkényi, and Louis Bevilacqua Europe, as a capital city of the Austrian- Hungarian Empire, from the 1600's until the Treaties of Versailles and Trianon. With EU consolidation, Hungary will once again play a large role in the cultural, economic and political life of Europe. EU membership was formalized when the people of Hungary ratified the nation's membership in the European Union on April 12th. The Hungarian Chief of Mission stated Hungary's Double Commitment to the U.S. and the E.U. will serve as a cornerstone in Hungary's foreign policy in the coming years. Mr. Szederkényi said that "Hungary is placed in a unique position to foster the IRAQ TODAY Mr. Szederkényi said that even though many European nations protested and demonstrated against the United States' liberation of Iraq, no demonstrations occurred in Hungary because of the strong relationship between the two nations. He pointed out that many Hungarians have relatives in the United States. He noted Hungary worked towards a diplomatic solution to the Iraq crisis as long as was possible, but Hungary never ruled out a military response. Hungary was one of the signers of the letter endorsed by European nations that pledged their support for the United States. Honorable Viktor Szederkényi stated that Hungary is not part of the debate regarding the transfer of power in Iraq, and cautioned against false or unrealistic timelines. "Central European nations know, through personal experience, that transition to democratic rule can not be rushed or burdened with false deadlines intended to placate nations with their own political agendas." "Iraq is a common responsibility for all democratic nations." Hungary has sent 300 troops as a show of solidarity with these democratic ideals, and has in the past also contributed by training Representative staff members of the World Affairs Council HUNGARY: A CENTRAL EUROPEAN LEADER Hungary's economy has changed significantly from its days when economic policy was based under the Soviet model. Reforms over the past ten years include improvements to internal management and production, and following a sell off of state owned industries over 85% of the gross domestic product (GDP) is privately owned. While Hungary has experienced a dramatic economic expansion with Foreign Direct Investment at $27 Billion (compared to a total economy of $65 Billion) there are still challenges to meet. A main economic focus has been on deficit reduction from 9.5% to 3%, which is needed to meet the Maastrict criteria. Furthermore, an increase of productivity and a decrease of inflation are necessary in order to realize equality of opportunity. United States is leading the way in foreign investment in Hungary. Currently GE, GM, and Coca-Cola have operations in Hungary. Hungary is set to quickly become a leading regional economic, financial and distribution center, stated Szederkényi. "Hungary has negotiated a free trade zone with Baltic nations and other neighboring Page 2
