Statement on Government of Hungary’s Legislation Impacting Non-Governmental Organizations

Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert

June 19, 2017

The United States is concerned by the Hungarian parliament’s passage of legislation that unfairly burdens and targets Hungarian civil society, which is working to fight corruption and protect civil liberties. By portraying groups supported with foreign funding as acting against the interests of Hungarian society, this legislation would weaken the ability of Hungarians to organize and address concerns in a legitimate and democratic manner. If signed into law, this would be another step away from Hungary’s commitments to uphold the principles and values that are central to the EU and NATO.

(Source: state.gov)

Visegrád Four: Key Partners in the Transatlantic Community

 

On May 14, I hosted my counterparts from the foreign ministries of Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia.  These four Central European countries form a consultative group called the Visegrád Four, or V4.  Although under Communist rule from the 1940s until 1989, in less than a generation they have successfully built democratic governments and transitioned to market economies, earning membership in NATO and the European Union. MORE

(Source: blogs.state.gov)

Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism Rosenthal Visits Hungary

Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
July 17, 2012

From July 19-22, Special Envoy Rosenthal will meet with Hungarian Government officials, Parliamentarians and representatives from the Jewish and Roma communities. She will discuss combating anti-Semitism, including condemning hate speech, Holocaust education, promoting tolerance, and the 2012 Hours Against Hate campaign.

She will meet with March of the Living (MOTL) organization. MOTL brings students from around the world to march from Auschwitz to Birkenau in memory of all Holocaust victims. The Hungarian branch organizes an annual march in Budapest to commemorate Holocaust victims. MORE.

(Source: state.gov)

Treaty on Open Skies Marks 20 Years Promoting Euro-Atlantic Security

About the Author: Diana Marvin serves as a Senior Advisor in the Office of Euro-Atlantic Security in the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance.

On March 24, the United States commemorated the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on Open Skies, and the role it has played in providing peace and stability for Euro-Atlantic relations. On March 27, Acting Under Secretary Rose Gottemoeller spoke at a special reception in Vienna, Austria, hosted by the governments of Canada and Hungary, to mark this occasion. In her remarks, Gottemoeller emphasized, “While much has been accomplished under the Treaty, its potential, in our view, has not yet been fully tapped. Parties need to upgrade to digital sensors as soon as possible, and application of the results should be used to address a wider range of transnational threats and verification challenges.”

In a nutshell, the Treaty gives each State Party the opportunity to conduct unarmed aerial observation… more »

(Source: blogs.state.gov)

Secretary Clinton Meets With Hungarian Prime Minister Orban

Trip Page | Photos

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton met today with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest. Following their meeting, Secretary Clinton said:

“…I am delighted to be back in Budapest, and on such an auspicious occasion. The United States admires greatly the progress of the journey that Hungarians have taken over the last 21 years. And we feel a strong affinity with Hungarians because of our mutual belief and commitment to fundamental freedoms. And yesterday and today gave us that opportunity to demonstrate in a tangible way our strong connections. The celebration of the centennial of President Reagan’s birth with the new… more »

(Source: blogs.state.gov)

Secretary Clinton Participates in the Inauguration of the Lantos Institute

Trip Page | Photos

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton participated in the dedication of the Lantos Institute in Budapest, Hungary on June 30, 2011. The establishment of the Lantos Institute has been supported by the Government of Hungary to promote Hungarian-born Congressman Tom Lantos’ long commitment to democratic principles and the protection of individual and human rights. Secretary Clinton said:

“Thank you all so much. It is indeed a personal pleasure and honor to be in this historic hall for this extraordinary occasion. And I am delighted to join such a distinguished group of speakers and visitors and friends in support of the great effort to… more »

(Source: blogs.state.gov)

Secretary Clinton Travels to Budapest, Vilnius and Madrid

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will travel to Budapest, Hungary, June 29, to participate in the dedication of the Lantos Institute. The establishment of the Lantos Institute has been supported by the Government of Hungary to promote Hungarian-born Congressman Tom Lantos’ long commitment to democratic principles and the protection of individual and human rights. Secretary Clinton will also meet with Prime Minister Orban, Foreign Minister Martonyi, and representatives of civil society while in Budapest.

Secretary Clinton will visit Vilnius, Lithuania, from June 30 to July 1, to participate in the Community of Democracies 6th Ministerial. The Ministerial will bring together senior government officials, parliamentarians, NGOs, women and youth leaders,… more »

(Source: blogs.state.gov)