Hungarian American Coalition News, 1994 (3. évfolyam, 1. szám)
1994 / 1. szám
Hungarian American Coalition NEWS Spring 1994 Vol. 3, No. 1 Meeting at the White House on March 2, 1994 Members of the Hungarian American Coalition with President Clinton: Edith Lauer, Dr. András Ludányi, László Hámos, Rev. Imre Bertalan, László Papp. Also Shown: Andrew Rajec, Slovak League of America; Ms. Alexis Herman, Assistant to the President and Director, Office ofPublic Liaison; Daniel Fried, Director, European Affairs, National Security Council; Jan Nowak, National Director, Polish American Congress. The Clinton Administration continued its dialogue with leaders of the East Central European ethnic community by inviting to the White House the same 20 participants who met with Vice President Gore in Milwaukee two months before. President Clinton, in the course of a 20 minute long visit, noted that he has made a conscious decision to clearly establish the importance of U.S. policy toward East Central Europe. He stressed the positive role Partnership for Peace will play in strengthening the forces of reform not only in the Visegrad Countries, but also in Russia and Ukraine. In response to the Wall Street Journal articles critical of the waste and ineffectiveness of aid to the ECE, the President plans to issue new directives through the National Security' Council on how to improve the efficacy of U.S. programs. In addition, he asked those present to communicate the administration’s concerns on both domestic and foreign policy issues to those in their community who question the necessity for foreign aid. Deputy Secretary of State, Strobe Talbott, attempted to reassure the group that U.S. foreign policy, specifically its support for equal access to the Partnership for Peace, remains the best response to the constantly changing situation in Russia, and, at the same time, offers an arena for cooperation and a sense of security for the Visegrad Countries. However, he acknowledged a basic difference in opinions: “The Question is, what kind of Russia will we have in the 21st century? You feel Russia will revert to type and foresee a dangerous scenario; we see Russia more positively and do not want to undercut those forces which are building a benign democratic system. ” Sandy Berger, Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security, advised the conference participants that the concerns expressed at the January Milwaukee meeting have caused the Administration to reorganize those who deal with ECE matters. The new appointments are: Richard Schifter, Senior Director for East Central Europe, National Security Council, and Peter Tarnoff, Undersecretary of State for East Central Europe at the State Department. Former U.S. Ambassador to Hungary, Charles Thomas, will also be involved in coordinating U.S. policy in the region.
