[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 63 (Thursday, May 19, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 19, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                            SLOVAK SUCCESSES

                                 ______


                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 19, 1994

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, for some months now the Commission on 
Security and Cooperation in Europe, which I cochair along with Senator 
Dennis DeConcini, has been preparing a series of reports on human 
rights and democratization in the countries of Eastern Europe and the 
former Soviet Union. In many respects, these reports stand as an 
ambitious attempt to evaluate the highly complex and unprecedented 
process of transformation underway in that region. As such, they have 
required a far-reaching survey of political, economic, and legal 
developments and a synthesis of their impact on each country's progress 
in fulfilling its CSCE human dimension commitments. So far, reports on 
22 countries have been finished and a half dozen more reports are in 
the works.
  Last fall, the Commission finished and released its report on 
Slovakia. Regrettably, the picture it painted was disappointing. 
Although Slovakia's transition to independence had been peaceful--to 
the credit of all parties involved--its transition to democracy was 
troubled.
  I am gratified to note that in recent months Slovakia's transition to 
democracy has picked up speed considerably. Following the establishment 
of a new coalition government in March, Slovakia's leadership has taken 
important steps to redress many of the concerns raised in the 
Commission's report. Compromise legislation on the name of newborns and 
right of women to names of their own choosing--a matter of particular 
concern for the Hungarian minority--is moving into place, as is planned 
legislation permitting bilingual road signs. The resolution of these 
issues is not only consistent with promises Slovakia made upon joining 
the Council of Europe, it demonstrates good faith in seeking to fulfill 
Slovakia's commitments in the CSCE process.
  Progress has been achieved in other areas as well, including the 
completion--along with Hungary--of the first agreements in Eastern 
Europe designed to settle claims for property seized from Jews between 
1939 and 1945. The Slovak Government's plans to return property to 
Jewish communities demonstrates the considerable efforts being made by 
the people of Slovakia to come to terms with their past, and to build a 
democratic future.
  Of course, there are other issues raised in the Commission report 
that have not yet been addressed. I hope that the Government of 
Slovakia--along with those of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic--
will repeal defamation legislation that has the effect of criminalizing 
mere criticism of the Government or Government officials. Such 
legislation is inconsistent with these countries' commitments in the 
CSCE process. Fortunately, the current Slovak Government has clearly 
signaled its intention to put these anachronisms behind it.
  As Slovakia does so, it clears the way for the Government to move on 
to the important business of developing the independent of Slovakia 
state's infrastructure, of passing needed legislation in the area of 
privatization, and of strengthening its ties with the United States and 
the West.
  Mr. Speaker, I will be in Vienna in July for the annual meeting of 
the CSCE Parliamentary Assembly and, in connection with that trip, plan 
to visit Bratislava. I look forward to continuing there the dialog that 
has begun between the Commission and Slovak representatives in 
Washington and at CSCE meetings and discussing our shared goals and 
aspirations.

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