Volume 6, Issue 1 • Winter 2006

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jan Erik SurotchakChairman

Amb. Theodore RussellFounding Chairman

William Tucker, Esq.Vice Chairman

Joseph T. SenkoTreasurer

Julie Brès SlavikSecretary

Ingrid Kimianova Aielli

Kenneth J Bombara

Amb. Rastislav Kácer

Prof. Sharon Fisher

David P. Frankel, Esq.

John Miller

Prof. Michael Novak

Peter A. Rafaeli

Scott R. Salmon

Thomas W. Skladony

Prof. Sharon L. Wolchik

BOARD OF ADVISORS

Amb. Adrian Basora

Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski

Mary Ellen Callahan, Esq.

Thomas A. Dine

Amb. Julie Finley

Amb. Branislav Lichardus

Hon. Frank E. Loy

Wendy W. Luers

Katarina Mathernova, Esq.

Hon. John L. Mica

Gail Naughton

Amb. Julian Niemczyk

Amb. Henry Owen

Juraj L.J. Slavik

Amb. Carl Spielvogel

Peter Stastny

Amb. Ron Weiser

The Slovak Embassy, Friends of Slovakia (FOS)and U.S. Steel Corporation hosted a “get

acquainted” dinner-cruise on the Potomac River onSunday, September 24 for Foreign Minister JanKubis. The cruise was held on the J&J, a yacht thatis the sister ship to the Sequoia, the former presi-dential yacht. Mr. Rob Hartwell, a member of FOS,kindly loaned the J&J gratis to Friends of Slovakiafor the occasion. FOS board members Amb.Rastislav Kacer, Amb. Ted Russell, Bill Tucker,Julie Slavik, Joe Senko, Scott Salmon and SharonFisher and FOS Advisory Board members JurajSlavik and Gail Naughton joined the cruise to dis-cuss FOS activities with the Foreign Minister.

The Foreign Minister was accompanied toWashington, DC by Peter Kmec, Chief of ForeignMinister’s Cabinet. Peter Kmec was formerly DeputyChief of Mission at the Slovak Embassy here.

FOS presented Foreign Minister Kubis withcopies of FOS newsletters; a list of FOS sponsored

activities, material on the FOS Wall of Honor andprograms from the 2002 and 2005 FOS GalaDinners in Bratislava. Mr. Kubis indicated thenew administration's support for the activities ofFriends of Slovakia, including plans for a thirdGala Dinner in Bratislava in the fall of 2007. ◆

Amb. Ted Russell, FM Kubis and Bill Tuckeron Potomac River cruise

Foreign Minister Kubis Speaks at CSIS

Dinner-Cruise with Foreign Minister Kubis

Friends of Slovakia and the Slovak Embassy incooperation with the Center for Strategic and

International Studies sponsored a Statesmen’sForum at CSIS with Foreign Minister Jan KubisSeptember 25. During his first official visit toWashington since taking office, Foreign MinisterKubis discussed Slovakia’s role in strengtheningthe transatlantic partnership.

Foreign Minister Kubis stated that Slovakia is areliable member of NATO and the EU and con-tributes to security and stability in neighboringregions, including Ukraine and Moldova. Hesaid that there are no major political disagree-ments in Slovakia regarding Slovakia’s foreignpolicy orientation. He emphasized that Slovakiawill maintain strong ties with the EU, NATO andthe United States. On Iraq, Mr. Kubis main-tained that Slovakia will restructure its involve-ment in Iraq rather than end it, will optimize its

forces in Afghanistanand wishes to seeNATO extend to theWestern Balkans. He emphasized thatSlovakia is ready fordialogue withHungary and thatthere will be zero tolerance for ethnicbigotry.

The Foreign Minister’s presentation was made toan overflow group of “Slovakia watchers” fromthink tanks, the private sector, U.S. governmentagencies and Friends of Slovakia. A summary ofhis remarks and of the question and answer ses-sion are available on the www.csis.org/ andwww.friendsofslovakia.org websites. ◆

Foreign Minister Kubisat CSIS

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Ambassador Rastislav Kacer hosted a fundraising dinner forthe Friends of Slovakia Slovak Scholarship Fund at his resi-

dence on August 3. $1,250 was raised for the FOS ScholarshipFund from the 25 people in attendance.

Anna Stancakova and Eva Majernickova, the 2006 FOS SlovakScholars, attended the dinner as guests of Friends of Slovakia.The two students informed the dinner guests about their experi-ences and impressions of the Fund for American StudiesInstitutes at Georgetown University where they were summerstudents. The students praised both the academic standards ofthe institute and the internship opportunities which providedthem with practical work experience in the United States.

FOS expects to continue supporting Slovak scholars who qualifyfor the Fund for American Studies program in future years. ◆

It was a glittering summer eveningSunday, July 23 as more than 150

guests gathered in the elegant GrandBallroom of the historic Omni WilliamPenn Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh toenjoy the 3rd Consular TestimonialAwards Dinner hosted by the WesternPennsylvania Slovak Cultural Association(WPSCA). As at its previous dinners, theWPSCA recognized five individuals fromvarious walks of life for their distin-guished leadership and service. Each ofthis year’s honorees has through his orher efforts enriched the civic, cultural andfraternal life of the Slovak community ofwestern Pennsylvania. William Tucker,FOS vice chairman, presented each of thisyear’s honorees with the FOS Medal ofHonor as recognition for their services tothe Slovak community.

This year’s honorees included ThomasM. Hricik who was presented theLifetime Achievement Award. Tom hasserved for the past 12 years as nationalpresident of the First Catholic SlovakUnion. He has been active in Slovak lifefor more than half a century. He serveson the national boards of the SlovakCatholic Federation and the SlovakLeague of America. He was recentlyinducted into the Equestrian Order of

the Holy Sepulchre, one of the mostprestigious orders of the RomanCatholic Church.

Joseph Bielecki received the BusinessAward. Mr. Bielecki, an attorney andnational treasurer of the SlovakGymnastic Union Sokol, has served aschairman of the Czecho-SlovakNationality Room at the University ofPittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning forthe past 14 years. He currently serves asWPSCA president.

Maxine Bruhns, who received theEducation Award, is director of theNationality Rooms at the University ofPittsburgh. She has been instrumentalin helping Slovaks and Slovak-Americans pursue their educationalskills and has directed educationalexchange programs for Slovak studentswho have been able to continue theirstudies in Pittsburgh.

Andrew Masich, a Slovak-American,was given the Culture Award. He ispresident and CEO of the Heinz HistoryCenter. Under his leadership, the muse-um has grown to become the largestethnic museum in Pennsylvania.

Rick Sebak was chosen as the MediaAward recipient. Rick is a producer,

writer and narrator for public televisionstation WQED. He is known for his 17video documentaries depicting the his-tory of Pennsylvania. His most recentwork, “What Makes PittsburghPittsburgh?” includes a segment ofWPSCA’s recent “Fasiangy CookingDemonstration.” Rick, who is of Slovakancestry, has produced several pro-grams dealing with Slovak themes. ◆

2 Friends of Slovakia Newsletter

WPSCA medal winners (l-r) AndrewMasich, Rick Sebak, Maxine Bruhns,Joseph Bielecki, Thomas Hricik

FOS Awards Medal In Western Pennsylvania

Funds Raised for FOS Scholarships

The Friends of Slovakia (FOS) Board of Directors isextremely grateful to Peter Muzila for all that he does in

keeping the organization’s website up to date. In additionto designing the site and covering annual hosting expenses,Peter has spent countless hours making changes to the sitewhenever requested. He has always been prompt and courteous in responding to the board’s proposals forchanges to the site. Any newsletter readers who have yet tovisit the FOS website should be sure to check out Peter’swork at: www.friendsofslovakia.org. Peter and his wife,Alyson, are valued members of FOS. ◆

Friends of SlovakiaThanks Peter Muzila forAssistance with Website

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Parliamentary elections held on June17 brought a radical shift in

Slovakia’s political leadership. The elec-tions put an end to Mikulas Dzurinda’snearly eight years in the post of primeminister, and his center-right govern-ment was replaced by a coalition of left-leaning and populist/nationalist forcesunder the leadership of Robert Fico.Many analysts saw the ruling coalitionas a worst-case scenario. However, theeconomy continued to perform wellbased on the pro-business policiesenacted during the previous term whichhave thus far largely been left in place.

The June elections were held threemonths ahead of their originally-sched-uled date, having been moved forwardafter the departure of the ChristianDemocratic Movement (KDH) from thepre-election ruling coalition inFebruary, based on a dispute overSlovakia’s Vatican treaty. The surgingeconomy was insufficient to bring anelectoral victory for Dzurinda’s party,the Slovak Democratic and ChristianUnion (SDKU). Instead, Fico’s party,Smer, was the clear election winner,having secured 29.2% of the vote and 50seats in the 150-member parliament.Still, the SDKU finished a respectablesecond, with a stronger-than-expected18.3% of the vote and 31 seats. Next inline were the Party of the HungarianCoalition (SMK) and the SlovakNational Party (SNS), both of which

won just under 12.0% of the vote and 20seats. The only other parties to surpassthe 5% threshold required for entry tothe parliament were the Movement for aDemocratic Slovakia (HZDS), with 8.8%and 15 seats, and the KDH, with 8.3%and 14 seats. While the SMK and KDHare internationally-respected partiesthat took part in the 1998-2006 govern-ments, the HZDS and SNS are national-ist/populist parties that were responsi-ble for Slovakia’s economic cronyismand international isolation of 1992-98.

Based on the electoral results, mostanalysts initially expected that Smerwould create a government with theKDH and SMK. Another option wouldhave put Smer and SNS in opposition,with the SDKU, SMK, and KDH form-ing a joint government with the HZDS.Nonetheless, both of those scenarioswere complicated by the KDH’s posi-tion. While the KDH was split inter-nally over whether to join a Smer-ledgovernment, the party opposed coop-eration with the HZDS as long as for-mer Prime Minister Vladimir Meciarremained its leader. As the KDH con-tinued to argue over whether to join aSmer-led cabinet, Fico surprisedobservers by announcing on June 28that his party would form a govern-ment with the SNS and HZDS. Thenew cabinet was appointed byPresident Ivan Gasparovic on July 4,with Fico serving as prime minister.

The new government’s policy manifestowas approved by the parliament onAugust 4. Although the manifesto wasvery vague in its approach toward eco-nomic policy, it did propose populistshifts in taxation policy. Still, the Ficocabinet promised continuity in regard toSlovakia’s euro adoption, maintainingthe January 2009 target date that wasset by its predecessor. Although Ficohad initially suggested a possible delay,he gave in after the National Bank ofSlovakia was forced to spend several bil-lion dollars worth of reserves duringJune-July in an effort to prop up thedomestic currency on internationalfinancial markets. By August, thekoruna resumed its strengthening trend,reaching all-time record highs againstthe euro in subsequent months. GDPgrowth also accelerated in 2006, reach-ing a record high of 9.8% year-on-yearin the third quarter, thanks to surgingautomotive sales. At the same time, thecountry’s labor situation also experi-enced improvement, as employmentrose sharply and jobless rates fell totheir lowest levels in years.

On a somber note, in January Slovakiaexperienced the greatest human tragedyin its history as an independent state,when a military jet crashed on theHungarian border, killing 42 people.The plane was filled with Slovak soldierswho were returning home after servingin Kosovo. ◆

Branislav Lichardus, the firstSlovak Ambassador to the U.S.

and currently a member of theFriends of Slovakia Board ofAdvisors, returned to the U.S. inOctober to lecture and participate ina number of conferences. His tripwas sponsored by the College ofManagement/City UniversityPrograms, City University (Bellevue,WA) and by the Slovak Honorary

Consuls in Denver and Minneapolis.

First, he attended a conference on theexpanding programs of CityUniversity in Bellevue. AmbassadorLichardus heads the College ofManagement of City University inBratislava. The ambassador subse-quently gave a lecture entitled “Caseof Slovakia 2006” at the DenverChamber of Commerce and gave the

same lecture to a group of Slovak-Americans in Minneapolis and at a“GO 4 SLOVAKIA” fundraising event.Ambassador Lichardus concluded hisUS visit by attending the Conferenceon Global Warming. ◆

Volume 6, Issue 1 • Winter 2006 3

The Year in Review: Slovakia in 2006by Sharon Fisher

Former Slovak Ambassador Lichardus Visits U.S.

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4 Friends of Slovakia Newsletter

Now through March 11, 2007 theNCSML is exhibiting Works by

Warhol from the Cochran Collectionfeaturing two dozen original large printscreated by Andy Warhol from 1974 to1987, including a rare set of his silkscreenseries “Cowboys and Indians.” Other piecesin the exhibit include iconographic imagesof Mick Jagger, Mickey Mouse, and theMoon Walk of astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

Born in 1928 as Andrew Warhola inPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Andy Warholwas the youngest of three sons of Ondrejand Julia (Zavacky) Warhola. Andy’sfather left the village of Mikova in the east-ern Carpathian Mountains and came to theUnited States in 1913. His mother wasforced to wait until 1921 to join him. In theinterim she saw her village ravaged byWorld War I.

Andy Warhol’s art built upon the folk tra-dition, undoubtedly influenced by his folkartist mother, of exploring the ordinary, offinding and redefining images foundaround us. In so doing he came to domi-nate a wild and popular movement knownas Pop Art, became a celebrity of the high-

est order, and created some of the mostindelible images of the second half of the20th century.

Two exhibits are in preparation for 2007.Puppetry! Suspended Imaginationopens April 13 through September 29. As acherished form of artistic expression in theCzech and Slovak lands, puppet theatrewas used during the 19th century to makesubtle political statements, and it remainspopular today to recreate favorite classicsand folk tales. Puppetry! will feature a vari-ety of old and new hand puppets, fingerpuppets, marionettes, puppet theatreadvertising, and scenery, plus an interac-tive theatre.

A landmark exhibition is in development,titled 1968, to open in November 2007.The 40th anniversary of Prague Spring andthe Warsaw Pact invasion provides a fittingtime to examine the tumultuous events of1968 in Czechoslovakia set in the context ofworld-wide turmoil. In conjunction withthe exhibit, a major History and CultureConference is planned for March 7 – 8,2008. The conference will re-visit the peri-od of 1967 – 1980, taking a close look at

Prague Spring, Warsaw Pact invasion,Charter 77, and the events that ultimatelyled to the Velvet Revolution and VelvetDivorce. Check the NCSML web site atwww.NCSML.org or call (319) 362-8500for more information. ◆

National Czech & Slovak Museum & LibraryFeatures Andy Warhol Works

Andy Warhol’s “Annie Oakley”

“Live in the nation’s capital, study atGeorgetown University, and intern

getting real-world experience”. For morethan 30 years, the Engalitcheff Institute ofComparative Economic and PoliticalSystems has brought together studentleaders from across the United States andthe world. Friends of Slovakia, in partner-ship with the Fund of American Studiesand Georgetown University, has been sup-porting scholars attending a program thatcombines hands-on professional experi-ence, Georgetown courses and exclusivebriefings.

Being a Friends’ scholar has been a greathonor for me. I wished to gain in-depthknowledge in the field of comparative eco-nomic and political systems. This has alsobeen the focus of my PhD. studies at theUniversity of Economics in Bratislava as

well as at the University of Sergio Arboledain Bogota, Colombia.

FOS’s support has given me the opportuni-ty to deepen my classroom knowledgethrough various dialogues with your mem-bers about Slovak -U.S. related issues.Exchange of opinions, participation inseminars about the elections in Slovakiaand about the Slovak -U.S. current politicaltrends organized by the NationalEndowment for Democracy, CSIS and theEmbassy of the Slovak Republic in the USin partnership with the FOS has been atruly memorable experience.

My Georgetown program consisted ofcourses focused on the advantages of capi-talism and a history of the free market aswell as on exploration of the developmentof American politics from the conceptionof the U.S. Constitution to the current cen-

tralized federal government. In addition toclasses, we have been attending briefingswith politicians and policy makers in theWhite House, congressional offices, StateDepartment, Federal Reserve Board andseveral foreign embassies here.

At Voice of America I worked with busi-ness journalists, helped produce talk showson various political, economic and culturaltopics. It was insightful to me to be at thisinstitution that had played an importantrole in the history of Slovakia in its spear-heading of democratic values - valuesshared by U.S. and Slovak citizens alike. Iwould like to thank Friends of Slovakia forits support that gave me the opportunity togain this high quality academic and profes-sional experience.

Eva Majernikova ◆

A Thank You Letter From Our FOS Scholar

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Volume 6, Issue 1 • Winter 2006 5

Ivan Miklos explains Slovak economic reforms

Former Deputy Prime Minister IvanMiklos gave the 2006 Czech and

Slovak Freedom Lecture at the WoodrowWilson International Center for ScholarsNovember 13. His topic was “ThePolitical Economy of Reforms in theSlovak Experience: Do Reformers Haveto Lose?” Mr. Miklos’ presentation willbe available as a web cast for the nextseveral weeks on the Wilson Center web-site www.wilsoncenter.org/. He plans toprovide FOS with an expanded textbased on his remarks, and this also willbe posted when available on the WilsonCenter and FOSwww.friendsofslovakia.org/ websites.

Mr. Miklos outlined the major economicreforms of the Dzurinda administrationand described the strategy adopted inimplementing the reforms. He pointedout that a government planning majorreforms must have adequate politicalpower, show political will and courage,have a clear vision and plan, implementreforms rapidly and keep the publicinformed. Mr. Miklos cited the spillovereffect of the Slovak tax reforms on someneighboring countries, which swiftly low-ered their corporate taxes following theSlovak example.

Mr. Miklos said that, in fact, reformers donot necessarily have to lose and discussedthe various political coalitions that mighthave been formed after Slovakia’s Juneelections. He expressed optimism that thebulk of the Slovak economic reformsimplemented by the previous government

would remain in effect due in part toSlovakia’s obligations within the EU con-text, including the Fico government’spledge to join the Euro zone.

Friends of Slovakia underwrote Mr.Miklos’ travel to Washington and FOSand American Friends of the CzechRepublic provided a modest speaker’shonorarium. AFoCR President MikeRokos presented Mr. Miklos with a cer-tificate of appreciation and AFoCRmementoes and Amb. Ted Russell pre-sented a certificate of appreciation andcrystal eagle on behalf of FOS. The ses-sion was well attended by FOS andAFoCR Board members and supporters,Slovak Ambassador Rastislav Kacer andCzech Ambassador Petr Kolar, as well asmany representatives of the private sec-tor, think tanks and U.S. governmentagencies. The evening before the lecture,Mr. Miklos attended a small dinner in hishonor hosted at the Washington Golf andCountry Club by FOS Vice Chairman BillTucker for FOSBoard membersand majordonors. Duringhis visit, Mr.Miklos also hada session onCapitol Hill and addressed a luncheonorganized by theCato Institute onthe Slovak flattax. ◆

Ivan Miklos Delivers Freedom Lecture

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Ficorecently visited New York to attend

the 61st opening session of the UnitedNations General Assembly. In hisaddress to the General Assembly, he saidthat he supported moves to reform theUN and its Security Council, of whichSlovakia is a non-permanent member. Healso met with Secretary General KofiAnnan.

During his visit to New York, Fico wasthe guest of honor at a reception hostedby the Slovak UN ambassador, PeterBurian. It was an opportunity for him tomeet local Slovak cultural, fraternal andbusiness leaders. ◆

Slovak Prime Minister Visits U.N.

Prime Minister Fico flanked bySlovak honorary consul and FOStreasurer, Joseph Senko, and hiswife, Albina

Czech Amb. Petr Kolar, Michael Rokas of AFoCR, Bill Tucker,Ivan Miklos, Slovak Amb. Rastislav Kacer, Amb. Ted Russell

46932_FOS_R6 12/12/06 10:08 AM Page 5

6 Friends of Slovakia Newsletter

On September 12th, in conjunction with the Slovak Embassy’s celebrationof Constitution Day, Friends of Slovakia (FOS) presented the Wall of

Honor plaques for 2005 and 2006. Ambassador Rastislav Kacer welcomedseveral donors, including Mr. and Mrs. Brooks McClure, Heather Pedersonand Andy Button of Boeing, Peter Muzila, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Senko (FOSBoard treasurer), Mr. and Mrs. Igor Nabelek, Clarence Taylor of NorthropGumman, Juraj Slavik (FOS Board of Advisors), and Andrew Konkoly. FOSgave a plaque for Archie Casey, in appreciation for his significant contribu-tions of time and talent to constructing and maintaining the Wall.

Plaques for 2005 and 2006 recognize the following:

2005:

Group Plaque: The Durisek & Ochodnicky Families* The Farkas/AlbrechtFamily* Andrew A. Kolkony, Andrew & Kate* Drs. Daniel and Ingrid Keleti*Dr. and Mrs. Zoltan G. Mesko* Col. (R) and Mrs. John R. Miller* NationalSlovak Society of the U.S.* Mr. and Mrs. Scott R. Salmon

Individual Plaques: Brooks and Olga Galik McClure* Raytheon* U.S.Steel Kosice* ECO-INVEST, a.s – Milan Filo, Chairman* Volkswagen ofAmerica

2006:

Group Plaque: Ingrid Kimianova Aielli* Marco Arcelli*Jan Bajanek, BizCommunications* Deloitte Slovakia* Julie Finley* GAMO – IT Leader inSlovakia* Lee Gorsuch, City University* Dr. Paul J. Hutta* MicrosoftSlovakia* Col. (R) and Mrs. John R. Miller* In Memory of John and MarySvitek* The Joseph Wesely Family* Martina Zabkova & Alex Zabka

Individual Plaques: Boeing – Our Future Together* In appreciation forArchie Casey* Eco Invest – Milan Filo* Brooks and Olga Galik McClure*Alyson and Peter Muzila*Northrop Grumman,Manassas, VA* Anne & MarcNuttle, Oklahoma, USA*Raytheon* SCS SBOR 26,Campbell, OH, 30 Aug 1908*Donna, Matt, Kathy, Chris &Ted Senko* Honoring Jurajand Gita Slavik

The Wall of Honor is a fit-ting way in which to honorfamily, friends, corporations,and one’s Slovak heritage.Plans are afoot to continuethe upgrading of the currentWall and to expand it forfuture years. FOS thanksthe Slovak Embassy and allthose whose generous sup-port has made the Wall ofHonor so successful. ◆

Wall of Honor

Amb. Rastislav Kacer with Boeing reps Andy Button and Heather Pederson

Amb and Mrs. Kacer (center) with 2005-06 Wall of Honor donors

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Volume 6, Issue 1 • Winter 2006 7

FRIENDS OF SLOVAKIAAPPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP – 2007

Minimum contribution for an annual membership to Friends of Slovakia is:

• $35 for individuals

• $250 for Fraternal and other non-profit organizations

• $2,500 for companies interested but not currently doing business in Slovakia

• $5,000 for companies currently operating in Slovakia

Note: Companies not doing substantial business in Slovakia may wish to make a contribution to individual FOS initiatives andparticipate as a non-member in selected FOS events.

PLEASE CHECK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING

❏ Yes, I would like to become a new member of Friends of Slovakia

❏ Yes, I would like to renew my membership of Friends of Slovakia

My Membership contribution: $_________________

In addition to the membership fee, I would like to contribute $________________ to the following FOS project (please check appropriate box):

❏ FOS Scholarship Fund

❏ Corporate Involvement in Slovakia

❏ General Contribution to FOS

NAME: ___________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________________

CITY, STATE, ZIP: ___________________________________________________________________

TEL: _____________________________________________________________________________

FAX: _____________________________________________________________________________

EMAIL: __________________________________________________________________________________

FOS WALL OF HONOR PLAQUE

❏ If you would like to receive some information on how you can get your name, family name or the name of a loved one on the Friends of Slovakia Wall of Honor (located on the grounds of the Slovak Embassy in Washington, DC) please check this box.

Please send this form with your check, payable to Friends of Slovakia, to:Friends of SlovakiaP.O. Box 40733

Washington, DC 20016-0733

For more information, please go to: www.friendsofslovakia.org

46932_FOS_R6 12/12/06 10:08 AM Page 7

P.O. Box 40733Washington, DC 20016-0733 703-671-0926http://www.friendsofslovakia.org

Miro Wlachovsky, Slovak Embassy deputy chief of mission, Otilla Kacerova, wifeof the Slovak ambassador, Stephanie Salmon, and Julie Slavik, FOS secretaryenjoy the Potomac River view.

Board member Scott Salmon andwife, Stephanie, on the sunsetcruise honoring Slovak ForeignMinister Jan Kubis

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