A conference focusing on the U.S.-Russia relationship and its implications for Central and East Europe attracted Capitol Hill attention last month. Coinciding with President George W. Bush's summit meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the conference was hosted by the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) and focused on two issues - Security and a New Europe, and U.S., Russia, European Union - Economic Interests. CORA is a founding member of the CEEC.

The first panel discussed the new role of NATO in the 21^st century and the need for NATO enlargement. Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and Congressman Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) then delivered remarks. They addressed the many important contributions that U.S. foreign policy has made to Central and East Europe. Following, the second panel discussed U.S. foreign assistance programs to Central and East Europe, the elimination of the Jackson-Vanik amendment and the granting of Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) to those countries yet to attain that status.

Speakers for both panels entertained questions from an audience of over 100 people. Among those attending were Congressional and committee staff members, Administration representa-tives, the media, and members of the ethnic American communities.

A reception where Armand Scala was the Master of Ceremonies followed honoring several Members of Congress for their committed leadership and dedication to Central and East European issues. The honorees were: Senator Jesse Helms, Senator George Voinovich (R-OH) and Representative Constance Morella (R-MD). Other CEEC honorees were Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) and Representative William Lipinski (D-IL). Mr. Scala presented Senator Voinovich his plaque after complimenting the leader for a remarkable 40 year career serving the people of Ohio and the U.S. The plaque read: "For his outstanding leadership and dedication to CEEC issues and support of NATO enlargement."

Activities began with visits on Capitol Hill with members of Congress and congressional staff members. CORA representatives visited the offices of two Senators, and three members of the House of Representatives.

It was clear from the messages of Friday's session speakers that US government officials have a good grasp of Romania and its importance to the US. Corruption in Romania is the principle concern of our government.

Other speakers charged the Romanian American community to become very active in the next few months. They implored the community to watch media reports and respond to those that are negative - as Romania is frequently portrayed in an unfavorable light. The community must set the record straight by responding to these reports.

These speakers also stressed the need for the community to maintain consistency in their demands for transparency from the Romanian government, feeling this approach would be an effective method to utilize in fighting corruption in Romania.

Analysis of the political and economic situation in Romanian was positive, reflecting improvements since last year's analysis. The current experiences of several businessmen in Romania reflected this improvement over the last year. However, a major "privatization" project was discussed revealing, unfortunately, underlying corruption.

Romania's inclusion in NATO was a consistent theme woven into the messages of the presenters. Additionally, Romania must share Euro/Atlantic values by supporting further democratic and economic reforms. This will promote economic prosperity and a market economy.

Ambassador Sorin Ducaru (Romania) and former Ambassador James Rosapepe (recent US) were guests at a banquet on Friday evening. Letters from President Bush, President Iliescu (Romania) and numerous other dignitaries, congratulating CORA on its work, were read.

On Saturday, following a business meeting, a session was held to prepare CORA members for meeting with their Senators and Representatives in support of Romanias's candidacy for membership in NATO. They were supplied with materials and ideas for use in their states and districts to achieve this objective.

1. We, the Representatives of the American ethnic communities of the Albanian, Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Estonian, Hungarian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Macedonian, Polish, Romanian, Slovak and Slovenian descent, have gathered in Washington, DC to endorse the vision of a Europe whole and free as presented by President George W. Bush on June 15, 2001 and by former President William J. Clinton on October 22, 1996.

2. We believe that NATO is the backbone of the transatlantic community and has been an effective bulwark in the defense of freedom, democracy and human rights. We further believe that a strong involvement of the United States in Europe serves the vital interest of the United States.

3. We thank the United States House of Representatives for overwhelmingly passing the Freedom Consolidation Act of 2001 and we urge its expeditious passage by the United States Senate.

4. We believe that the accession of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland to NATO has contributed to transatlantic security and strengthened and expanded the zone of peace, stability, democracy and cooperation in Europe.

5. We share President Bush's belief that "All of Europe's new democracies, from the Baltic to the Black Sea and all that lie between, should have the same chance for security and freedom -- and the same chance to join the institutions of Europe -- as Europe's old democracies have." Furthermore, we believe that the almost 55 million people who live in Europe's aspirant nations should contribute to and share in the benefits of the family of European nations.

6. We commend Europe's new democracies for their progress in solidifying democracy, establishing market economies and building strong and just civil societies. We believe that the invitation to join NATO will be a major achievement in the struggle for freedom. In this regard, we honor all who have suffered in this cause and we thank the United States for its abiding support.

7. We recognize the significant progress that has been made by Europe's new democracies in their preparation to shoulder the responsibilities that membership in NATO requires.

8. We commend Europe's new democracies for their solidarity with the American people after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and for their willingness to act as de facto allies of the United States and NATO. We recognize the contributions of Europe's new democracies for opening their air and land facilities to the United States and NATO and for sharing their resources in promoting global security and in the fight against terrorism.

9. We applaud Europe's new democracies for their commitment to cooperation, which was initiated in Vilnius, Lithuania in May 2000.

10. We urge Europe's new democracies to accelerate needed reforms to enable their invitations to join NATO at the Prague Summit. We also understand that this continued commitment to shared values is an essential component of such membership.

11. We express our thanks to the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland for their support of the Vilnius process, to Denmark and Norway for their work in the security of the Baltics and to Greece and Turkey for their support of their closest neighbor nations.

12. We commit ourselves to support and promote the fulfillment of the vision of a Europe whole and free and respectfully urge the President of the United States and the United States Senate to support invitations to all aspirant nations who have demonstrated their preparedness for admission to NATO.

Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Dan Geoană says he is "optimistic" concerning both bilateral relations with the Czech Republic and the process of NATO enlargement. Geoană, speaking today at a press conference at RFE/RL's broadcast center in Prague, said that the two countries are now "re-discovering each other" and that the same can be said about the ongoing processes of EU and NATO enlargement, with Europe and its NATO allies re-discovering the potential and capabilities of all the candidate countries, "from northern Europe to its south."

Geoană said Romania has made considerable progress towards meeting the requirements of NATO membership, especially in military reforms and improving economic performance. What made him particularly optimistic, Geoană said, is that for the first time ahead of the summit there is a list of "specifics" that each candidate knows it must meet. Romania, he added, does not claim it can meet all the "value criteria" (among which he counted achieving governmental transparency, the struggle against corruption, ensuring independence of the judiciary, reducing the level of anti-Semitism, "the Roma problem" and "the problem of homeless children") ahead of the summit and cannot be "realistically expected" to do so. However, Geoană said, what is expected of Bucharest is to produce a "short term blueprint" for coping with these problems, and Bucharest intends to do so.

Geoană met today with his Czech counterpart Jan Kavan, and was welcomed to RFE/RL's Prague headquarters by RFE/RL President Thomas Dine. During the press conference, Geoană said RFE/RL has made "perhaps the greatest contribution of all" to demolishing the communist regimes and added that its task "was still not over" and that it now makes an important contribution to the process of consolidating the new democratic systems.

On Sunday, January 20^th, Romanians from Southern California celebrated The Union of the Romanian Principalities, event organized by Viitorul Român Society of Los Angeles. The guests of honor were the Ambassador of Romania to the United States, Sorin Ducaru for the first time on the west coast with his wife, the delightful Carmen Ducaru.

The audience warmly welcomed the dignitaries introduced by the President of the society, Cristian Călugăriţa. Among them were Dr. Eugene Şerbănescu, the Consul General of Romania; Consul Constantin Aron and his wife; Economic Conselor Gheorghe Gruia and his wife; Mr. Armand Scala, President of CORA; Directors of the California Ethnic Leadership Council, Rudolph Sigmund and Albert Misik; Executive Vice Presidents of the Slovak World Congress, Frank de Balogh III, representing the Hungarian Community; Rudolph Pan, leader of the Chinese Ethnic Community; Olgierd Klejnot, leader of the Polish Community; Vladis Pavlovskis, President of the Baltic American Freedom League; and Rory Fitzpatrick, representing the Los Angeles Councilman Tom LaBonge.

After the address of the Romanian Ambassador, History Professor Doina Lupaşcu discussed the events (and their significance) which led to the Union of the Romanian Principalities. Armand Scala then made a short presentation describing CORA, Romania's entry into NATO and role the Romanian-American community can play in influencing the politics of the US. Rory Fitzpatrick presented President Călugăriţa a Certificate of Appreciation from Councilman Tom LaBonge followed by the Consul General's remarks on the importance of strengthening the ties of all Romanians abroad to benefit Romania's cause and heritage.

The rich cultural program lasted for over three hours, although it seemed like minutes. Program participants represented a wide variety of genres and styles. From the vibrant performance of the violin maestro, Professor Mihail Chiriuc, to the magical voice of the young soprano, Cleopatra Ilie, the flute of Ciprian Ignat, the poetry of Romanian actress Manuela Golescu, film director Dumitru Caranfil, the guitars of Gabriel Vamvulescu and Anatol Răzmeriţa, the spirited Căluşarii dances, performed by Ioan and Ionuţ Petrinca, and the artistry of the four members of the Joc dance ensemble, everyone was enchanted by the wonderful display of our Romanian cultural heritage.

The evening climaxed to the tune of Hora Unirii, to which all in attendance joined hands and danced together in a symbolic hora of union and fraternity.

Later in the evening, His Excellency Ducaru and President Călugăriţa provided interviews to the Romanian State Radio Station related to the events of the day.

Congratulations to the organizers of this wonderful event!