US Diplomat Comments On Hungarian Civil Society

  • 10 Oct 2014 9:00 AM
US Diplomat Comments On Hungarian Civil Society
A thriving civil society can help real and continuous dialogue between the government and the people, which is important for both sides, André Goodfriend, chargé d’affaires at the United States embassy, told a news conference. Presenting USAID’s NGO 2013 sustainability index, Goodfriend said that in the recent past a series of measures in connection with civil organisations had led to narrowing opportunities and intimidation.

Whereas, according to the Hungarian government, out of the many civil groups operating in the country only a few are affected by the affairs of the recent past, the facts are clear and give cause for concern, he said.

He noted that statements by highranking politicians had been made regarding NGOs which do not receive support from the central government but from abroad, which suggested they served foreign interests. In reply to a question, Goodfriend said he was engaging in talks with Hungary’s foreign ministry not solely on the subject of the comments of President Barack Obama or concerning his own remarks in connection with relations between the Hungarian government and NGOs.

Often the embassy initiates discussions with the government on how they may work together as an alliance, he added.

Source www.hungarymatters.hu

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