Itt-Ott, 1990 (23. évfolyam, 114-117. szám)
1990 / 115. szám
garian minority problems in East Central Europe. After supper, Stephen Benko, of the National Security Council staff of the White House, shared his insights and experiences in the policymaking process and the opportunities for influencing those who make policy. Monday morning, after breakfast, Ludanyi outlined the things that should be kept in mind when writing letters to the editor. He also handed out a brief outline of points to remember when writing congressmen or other public officials. László Hamos (President, HHRF) next discussed the program of meetings and briefings that would be attended by the workshop participants during the course of the next two days. This orientation prepared the group for the activities that followed. He also distributed congressional profiles and other relevant information about the representatives who play or can play a key role in the human rights struggle. In separate cars the members of the workshop then went to the Hungarian Embassy briefing, on Shoemaker Street. Here the participants heard the staff describe the work of the Embassy in the protection of human rights. This was followed by a fast lunch at the U.S. Conference of Mayors, as the guests of Dr. Scrimger. From here the participants hurried to the Hill, for a briefing with the staff of Senator Lautenberg of New Jersey. Diana Rubin provided an overview of the Senator’s role in the human rights struggle. This was followed by a meeting at the White House with Robert Hutchings, staff member of the National Security Council responsible for Eastern European policy. His briefing provided additional insights — from the executive perspective — into the policymaking process and the possible influences that can be exerted at that level. This was followed by a walking tour of the Old Executive Office Building, and a part of the White House grounds. Stephen Benko and Marika Gulden acted as tour guides for the participants. The day’s activities came to a close with a dinner in near proximity to the White House. Tuesday, June 12 was the concluding day of the workshop. After breakfast, a wrap-up session was held. Future plans were discussed and the prospects for organizing similar workshops in Washington and other American cities. Andrew Ludanyi suggested that the coordination of such a workshop — if it is to be institutionalized — have an advisory committee to oversee and discuss the plans. This committee should include at least one representative from each sponsoring organization. This was followed by László Hamos’ summary of the remaining activities for the day, including a run-down on the activities of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus and the role of representatives Gibbons, Atkins and Lantos. The highlight of the briefings was the testimony of András Suto before the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. Congressman Lantos’ introduction and László Hamos’ interpreting provided respectively an effective background for, and rendition of, the testimony. Most of the workshop participants had the opportunity to be present for the proceedings. It was followed by the presentation of a videotape of the pogrom of March 19, as a result of which Suto lost his eyesight. The video presentation was followed by meetings with representatives Sam M. Gibbons and Chester G. Atkins. The workshop thus concluded by having the opportunity to confront both an unfriendly and a friendly official relative to the rights of Hungarians in Transylvania.. All in all, the learning experience was many-sided, practical, and hopefully successful in extending and strengthening the network of those who will continue the struggle for human rights in the future. — Andrew Ludanyi □ Ezer éve Se Majtény, se Világos! Nincs is letenni fegyverem. Hiába, hogy fólindulának E labanc hadak ellenem. Ki előtt térdepelnék S hová futhatnék, na mondd?! Itthon vagyok már ezer éve S huszonhat éve bolond. Apáink csak nevet, gőgöt, De hazát nem hagytak örökül. Papjaink csak jótanácsot: Tanulj tótul, törökül. *S. Benedek András, 1973 *Stumpf Benedek András kárpátaljai költő 1976 óta Budapesten él. Hatodik Síp, 1989. december 12 ITT-OTT 23. évf. (1990), nyári (115.) szám
