Amerikai Magyar Szó, 1989. január-június (43. évfolyam, 1-26. szám)
1989-06-01 / 22. szám
Thursday, June 1. 1989. AMERIKAI MAGYAR SZÓ 11. Karoly Grosz: “Each generation faces its own challenge...” Karoly Grosz, General Secretary of the Hungarian Socialist Workers Party, visited Moscow recently. Before his departure he replied to a number of questions put to him by the correspondent of the N.Y. Times. The HSWP's recent conclusion about the need to change over to a multiparty system has evoked the interest of all those following the developments in your country. The party conference held last May said that socialist pluralism in Hungary would develop against the background of the HSWP keeping its leading role within the framework of the one-party system. What is behind the new conclusion? Behind this is the recognition of the fact that in our society there is the need for an organized manifestation of various economic and political interests in a multiparty system. In this framework we intend to go on building socialism. Cutting short the possibilities for shaping such a system by political or administrative methods does not conform to our long-term political objectives. It is my long-established conviction that the one-party or multiparty system is not the most important factor in bringing about democracy. A multiparty system is just another form of its manifestation. There should be not illusions on that score: a deficit of democracy is possible in the countries with the multiparty system as well. However, proceeding from the realities of Hungarian society and taking its needs into account, the HSWP cannot oppose party pluralism. It regards it as its urgent objective to retain its political leadership under the circumstances. I am convinced that the Hungarian Socialist Workers' Party is equal to this. As to our attitude to the introduction of a multiparty system in Hungary, I have informed Soviet leaders about that, and they displayed understanding and a businesslike approach to that. At the same time, it was pointed out that in the U.S.S.R. the same objectives could be attained within the framework of a one-party system. The political structure is an internal affair of each country, of each nation. The political and social life of Hungary attracts, perhaps, universal attention. The real polemics on the 1956 events in your country and over "Hungarian neutrality" have caused worldwide repercussions. Would you comment on that? It is a duty of the HSWP to analyze the record of the past four decades, to learn lessons, and to assess controversial events, • j including those of 1956. The year 1956 is a tragical page in the history of the Hungarian nation. And its assessment is yet to be brought in conformity with its historical truth. We touched upon this subject with Mikhail Gorbachev, found time to discuss the international conditions which had told on the events of 1956, and also exchanged opinions on the course these events had taken, which led to a situation where a student demonstration had triggered off an uprising eventually developing into counterrevolution. Thirty- three years later, we can take a more sober- minded look at what happened. I must note that we have seen eye to eye on the evaluation of the situation at its most important moments. We have also agreed on looking jointly into the reasons why things happened the way they did. In that period,the situation changed literally by the hour. And it is only authentic documents, rather than subjective opinions, that can serve as the basis for profound analysis, This is exactly why we should proceed from the authentic documents j connected with the events of 1956. As to the attitude to the problem of two military-political blocs in Europe Hungary's point of view has remained unchanged: we are for their simultaneous liquidation. And if this happens, the neutrality issue will automatically obviate itself... What would you advise today to the first secretary of the capital's party committee and to the present head of the Hungarian government? I would like to ask the secretary of the Budapest city committee to lend a hand, above all, to the Communists in modernizing large enterprises. As for ,the chairman of the Council of Ministers, I would advise him to be more resolute and consistent than his predecessor. There should be no unpaying enterprises, there should be no bottlenecks in the economy, we have to introduce incentives for labor efficiency, and make every effort to bring our national economy up to modern standards... In a word, my record provides grounds for advice and recommendations which I am making. The events of 1956 are now more than a third of a century past. A new generation has grown up since then. What would you wish the citizens of Hungary? Many of those born after 1956 are now mothers and fathers themselves. One can say that this generation is coming to play the decisive role in the life of Hungarian society.. I wish my young compatriots that their most cherished dreams come true, that their efforts in social calls might bring fruit. I hope that renovation in the country will offer conditions for the family welfare, I would not like the present youth to live through what we, their fathers and mothers have experienced. We have witnessed a lot of beautiful things emerging. At the same time there have beer» quite a few mistakes and setbacks. It goes without saying — ■ ' *........ ........ ' * EARLY MUSIC DAYS IN SZENTENDRE This small town near the capital has long been famous for its association with the arts. Since the turn of the century many painters, sculptors and graphic artists have chosen it as their home, a fact that has largely contributed to the emergence of a great number of valuable museums which together with the atmosphere of the picturesque setting of the town attract many visitors. Recently Szentendre has started to. provide a venue for early music programs as well. In October 1988 the Early Music Days were organized for the second time which encourages the hope that they will become a regular event here. What differentiates this program from the better- known early music festival in Sopron is that in Szentendre there is greater emphasis on the music of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The Early Music Days occupy a whole week, during which concerts are given in churches and museums each night with the participation of guest performers from abroad. Simultaneously with the concert series a continuo course and a chamber music course are held. On the occasion of the 177th anniversary of the birth of Ferenc Liszt, Liszt Record Grand Prizes were awarded to the British Decca firm. Julian Harvey, representative of the British Council in Hungary receives the award. A delegation of the World Business Council whose headquarters are in the USA has had talks in Hungary. The organization which brings together influential businessmen from more than 30 countries is to hold its congress in Hungary in September 1989. It was about the preliminary arrangements that the delegation had talks with Peter Lorincze, General Secretary of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce. As far as can be foreseen, some 500 businessmen will attend the 1989 conference. The delegation of the World Business Council visiting Hungary was headed by George Sheldon, that no generation is guaranteed against bitter disappointments, and has many lessons to learn. Each generation faces its own challeyrjge,, Bu^ what price is it to pay for meeting fnrs challenge? It musn't be exorbitant. So 1 wish our new generation a better life. ..........................................................................2
