Fraternity-Testvériség, 2001 (79. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)

2001-04-01 / 2. szám

FRATERNITY

Page 13

HRFA Sponsors HAC/HHRF Seminar: “Restoration of Voivodina’s Autonomy: A Model of Multi-Ethnic Stability”

The Hungarian Reformed Federation of America was proud to contribute as sponsor to the seminar “Restoration of Voivodina ’s Autonomy: A Model of Multi-Ethnic Stability.” This event provided a forum to discuss the future of Voivodina - known as “Vajdaság” in Hungarian - the Serbian province with the largest population of ethnic Hungarians.

The seminar was organized by the Hungarian American Coalition (HAC) and the Hungarian Human Rights Foundation (HHRF) to hold a groundbreaking international seminar in the U.S. Capital in Washington, D.C. on June 28, 2001.

The seminar provided a forum for representatives from Voivodina, U.S. policy makers, international experts of think tanks and the academia, non-governmental organizations, and journalists to discuss the status of Voivodina and its future position in Central Europe and the Balkans. The organizers called for renewed focus to preserve this last multiethnic province of Serbia, which has served as gateway to the West. The message that the HAC, the HHRF and the minority representatives sent was that the promotion of ethnic tolerance and recognition of the quest for restoring Voivodina’s autonomy represent crucial opportunities for the U.S. The ultimate objective of the seminar was to help translate policy advice into policy action. The seminar was successful in bringing the parties together and in triggering a constructive dialogue.

A political overview presented by Janusz Bugajski, Director of the East European Studies Department at the Center for International Studies outlined the historic and political issues of the province of Voivodina. Bugajski warned that postponing the autonomy of Voivodina could lead to increased Serb nationalism and deteriorating economic perspectives.

Voivodina, which contributes approximately fifty percent of state tax revenues of today’s Yugoslavia, was lost to Hungary under the terms of the Trianon Peace Treaty following the First World War. Voivodina was home to 340,000 Hungarians according to the 1991 census. Following the outbreak of the civil war in 1991, this figure has declined by 50,000. The ethnic composition was radically transformed, as well as the political map of the province, in favor of the Serb population. Voivodina enjoyed autonomous status since 1974, which provided moderate self-government and minority rights. In 1998 the autonomy of Voivodina, one year preceding Kosovo, was revoked. Autonomy has been followed by a dire era of drastic population loss of the ethnic Hungarians, forced conscription into the Yugoslav Army, large-scale resettlement of Serbians into the province of Voivodina, and psychological pressure. Addressing these critical issues, and creating constructive environment to devise changes, therefore, have become top priorities.

The first panel, “Voivodina: Aspirations, Opportunities and Obstacles,” introduced the perspective of the representatives of Voivodina, László Józsa, Vice-President of the Alliance of Hungarians in Voivodina, and Nenad Eanak, President of the Provincial Assembly of Voivodina. Józsa pointed out that the preservation of ethnic minorities is a function of Belgrade’s attitude. He was critical of the new Serb administration for its failure to grant genuine independence in key areas, such as culture and education. Eanak emphasized that granting autonomy is essential for the stability of the Balkans.

The second panel, “Policy Alternatives” provided a forum for defining concrete means of assistance on the part of the U.S. government and input for think tanks, which play a significant role in determining policy directions.

First, the seminar strove to make a lasting impact through bringing the views and objectives of the two sides closer to each other. Second, it strove to raise awareness with the Washington policy-making community regarding the obstacles that Voivodina faces and its aspirations toward democratization, ethnic pluralism, the rule of law, regional security and stability, and future international integration.

The recent extradition of ex-president Milosevic is a necessary, but not alone sufficient, step to fully advance democracy in the region. The other condition for receiving the 100 million-dollar aid from the U.S. Congress is the restoration of minority rights in the territory of Yugoslavia.

Many share these views but it is only a few who make genuine efforts to counter the challenges and to make this vision a reality. As Edith Lauer, Chairwoman of the HAC, encapsulates the mission “The ultimate goal is to make Viovodina a model for a peaceful multi-ethnic society for the troubled spots of the region.”

Edit V. Velenyi