2010 FRIENDS OF SLOVAKIA

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1 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Amb. Theodore E. Russell Founding Chairman Joseph T. Senko Chairman and Treasurer William Tucker, Esq. Vice Chairman and President Julie Bres Slavik Secretary Kenneth Bombara Amb. Peter Burian Dr. Sharon Fisher Frederick Frank, Esq. Roger Kodat John R. Miller Peter Muzila Peter A. Rafaeli Scott Salmon Thomas W. Skladony Scott Thayer Prof. Sharon L Wolchik BOARD OF ADVISORS Ingrid Kimianova Aielli Amb. Adrian A. Basora Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski Amb. Martin Butora Mary Ellen Callahan, Esq. Thomas A. Dine Amb. Julie Finley Amb. Rastislav Kacer Hon. Michal Kovac Amb. Branislav Lichardus Hon. Frank E. Loy Wendy W. Luers Hon. John L. Mica Gail Naughton Prof. Michael Novak Amb. Vincent Obsitnik Amb. Henry Owen Juraj L.J. Slavik Amb. Carl Spielvogel Peter Stastny Jan Erik Surotchak Amb. Ronald Weiser 2010 FRIENDS OF SLOVAKIA SLOVAK SCHOLARS O n June 6, Alexander Platzne and Michal Demo, the two 2010 FOS Slovak Scholars, began their studies and internships at the Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems (ICPES) and the Institute on Business and Government Affairs (IBGA) at Georgetown University. Both students received a scholarship from FOS to attend the program. e Georgetown summer institutes are offered by the Fund for American Studies, an organization dedicated to educating young leaders on the values of freedom and free-market economies. 764 students will attend the Fund for American Studies summer institutes in Washington, DC and abroad this summer. Students hail from 46 different states representing 295 colleges and un i ver s i ti e s. At the G e org etown program, 11% of the students come from 30 different countries, including two from Slovakia. Michal Demo just graduated with a Masters Degree in Controlling, Corporate Finance and Economics from the University of Cologne and is also a graduate of the Technical University of Kosice in Slovakia. Alexander Platzner is a 2010 graduate of Comenius University where he majored in political science. On June 17, Juraj and Julie Slavik hosted a garden reception at their home to welcome the 2010 FOS Slovak Scholars to Washington, DC. e reception was attended by FOS board members, Fund for American Studies officials, Slovak Embassy personnel and other supporters of FOS. Juraj and Julie Slavik with Michal Demo and Alexander Palzner Volume 10, Issue 1 Summer 2010 Joe and Albina Senko flank Slovak Scholars Michal Demo and Alexander Palzner Former Friends of Slovakia (FOS) Slovak Scholars include Ondrej Socuvka, currently Economic Advisor at the US Embassy in Bratislava; Eva Majernikova who is working at the US Chamber of Commerce in Slovakia; Anna Stancakova, Associate Attorney at Vojcik & Partners; Jana Sebosikova, Consultant at Candole Partners in Prague; and Miriama Svetkovska, Case Handler at the Slovak Anti-Monopoly Office. ese summer study opportunities for the Slovak Scholars are made possible through FOS membership fees, special contributions and FOS fundraising efforts.

2 2 Friends of Slovakia Newsletter Profile: Slovak Gymnastic Union Sokol of the USA - SokolUSA Sokol USA president Joe Bieliecki, views Pittsburgh Agreement at Heinz History Center, in Pittsburgh, PA ( is article is one of an occasional series profiling important Slovak- American aternal and other organizations.) T he Slovak Gymnastic Union Sokol of the USA is one of the major Slovak American fraternal organizations in the United States and for more than a century has provided insurance products while supporting many activities for its members and the Slovak- American community at large. In 1962, the organization adopted a new name: SokolUSA. It is headquartered in East Orange, NJ. SokolUSA was founded in 1896 in New York City by Slovak groups from the New York and Bridgeport, CT areas. It traces its roots back to the origins of the Sokol movement in 1862 in Prague and its founder, Miroslav Tyrs. It essentially aimed at promoting the physical, moral, and intellectual development of Slavic people, especially youth, in the context of a developing national identity. In the U.S., immigrants formed fraternal organizations, some based on the Sokol model, to provide insurance for workers and their families at a time when private insurance for the risky occupations in which many immigrants engaged and public social welfare benefits were generally unavailable. Like other fraternals, SokolUSA is organized around a system of local lodges, which serve as focal points for insurance sales and gymnastic, sports, and social activities. Among member activities are participation in gymnastic events (called a slet), summer camps, and a recently organized Healthy Heart Walking Club. Popular events also include annual golfing and bowling tournaments, and local charitable projects. College scholarships are provided to deserving students. e group publishes a monthly newsletter, Sokol Times, which includes features on Slovakia and Slovak-related events and activities. e newsletter and other information can be found at the website: Financially, SokolUSA retains a sound footing in spite of the recent turmoil in the financial markets, according to SokolUSA Supreme Secretary Milan S. Kovac. Life insurance and annuities are the main products offered, with about 7,000 insurance certificates in force, and the product line was recently revamped to meet new standards set by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. SokolUSA has had a recent leadership change. Beatrice Walko, president for many years, decided to retire and was awarded the position of Honorary President at the organization s convention last August. Joseph Bielecki, a Pittsburgh attorney active in the Slovak-American community, was elected the new president. As SokolUSA prepares to celebrate the 110th anniversary of its founding in 2011, FOS congratulates the organization s leaders and membership and trusts that they will continue their strong support for FOS activities.

3 Friends of Slovakia Newsletter 3 Wall Of Honor Update W hile the exact date is to be decided soon, this fall FOS will recognize the 2009 and 2010 donors of Wall of Honor plaques installed on the wall in the garden of the Slovak Embassy. Traditionally, this has taken place in mid-september during the Embassy s Constitution Day celebration. FOS welcomes this opportunity to thank its generous donors to the Wall of Honor. As soon as the date is finalized, FOS will notify its donors and invitations to the event will be sent from the Embassy. Oral History Project of National Czech & Slovak Museum The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library is launching a major new project to record the stories of émigrés from communist-era Czechoslovakia who settled in Chicago, Washington D.C. and Cleveland. ese stories are personal,but help explain monumental political and cultural shi s that occurred during the 20th Century. In what we believe is the first project of its kind, we aim to gather the personal accounts, family sagas and community histories of Czech and Slovak Americans in order to preserve them for future generations. e success of this project depends on strong participation from people like you! If you are a Czech or Slovak emigrant, or have information which could help with this project, then let us know. Contact Rosie Johnston at: rjohnston@ncsml.org or ere will be two special plaques this year for the events commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Velvet Revolution. One will honor the donors who gave so generously to the November Gala Dinner. e other will salute the Memories of Slovakia art exhibition. While FOS is pleased to say that the plaque donation amounts have not increased, there are a few guidelines now in place: Donations follow a calendar year. A donation made between January 1 and December 31 will be in the group dated for the following year. Annual dues from individuals to FOS do not qualify as part of a Wall of Honor donation. Donors are asked to complete all the inscription information so that FOS receives it by April 1st (as the plaque orders are finalized in late April). Donors may make pledges to FOS (up to four years) and upon fulfillment of the pledge, the appropriate plaque or inscription will be ordered. e FOS Wall of Honor is an excellent way to honor family, organizations, and other expressions of your support for FOS and your interest in Slovakia. As you reflect on the importance of Slovakia and US-Slovak friendship in your life, we hope you will consider participating as a Wall of Honor donor. is project has been made possible thanks to a grant kindly awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. FOS Hosts Defense Minister Baska Amb. Ted Russell, Min. Jaroslav Baska and Bill Tucker at a lunch in the minister's honor F riends of Slovakia hosted Slovak Defense Minister Jaroslav Baska and Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Lubomir Bulik at a working lunch with defense industry firms interested in increasing business ties with Slovakia. Participants included a number of executives from BAE Systems and General Dynamics. Minister Baska explained Slovakia's long range defense policy and described current budgetary constraints. He expressed an interest in hearing proposals which would contribute to Slovakia s defense posture. FOS President and Vice Chairman Bill Tucker and FOS Founding Chairman Ambassador Ted Russell presented FOS medals of honor to Minister Baska and General Bulik for their role in Slovakia's active participation in NATO, in Afghanistan and elsewhere and their strong support of U.S. - Slovak friendship.

4 4 Friends of Slovakia Newsletter Slovak Government Names New Honorary Consul M artin Valko, an immigration attorney in Dallas and Fort Worth, was recently appointed Slovak Honorary Consul for Texas. This is the 11th Slovak Honorary Consulate currently in the United States. There are 25 honorary consulates located in Dallas. At age 36, Martin is the youngest of the 148 Slovak honorary consuls in the world who serve 83 countries. Mr. Valko is acquainted with diplomatic responsibilities since his father served as Ambassador for the Slovak Republic to several countries. Born in Levoca, Martin came to the United States in He is now a partner in the law firm of Chavez & Valko. Martin is fluent in Slovak, Czech and English and conversant in Russian. Joe Senko with Martin and Martina Valko He is married to Martina Moravcova from Piestany, Slovakia. She is a World and European Champion swimmer and a five-time Olympian for Slovakia, having won two silver medals. Their first child, Karolina Ann, was born on June 17, 2010 in Bratislava.

5 Friends of Slovakia Newsletter 5 Slovak Elections Bring Return of Center Right S by Sharon Fisher lovakia s parliamentary elections on 12 June brought the unexpected victory of four center-right parties. While outgoing Prime Minister Robert Fico s le -leaning Smer-Social Democracy (Smer-SD) won a plurality, with 62 seats in the 150-member parliament, the party was unable to form a government. Indeed, Smer-SD s only viable partner was the Slovak National Party (SNS), which won just nine seats. In contrast, four center-right parties the Slovak Democratic and Christian Union-Democratic Party (SDKU-DS), Freedom and Solidarity (SaS), Christian Democratic Movement (KDH), and Most-Hid [Bridge] gained a combined 79 seats, giving them a slim majority. All four refused to negotiate with Smer-SD. us, a new center-right cabinet will be formed, with SDKU-DS election leader Iveta Radicova set to become the country s first female prime minister Election Results e latest elections are significant for a number of reasons, and Share of not just because of the center-right s surprising victory and Votes (%) 2010 Seats 2006 Seats Smer-SD Radicova s appointment as prime minister. Perhaps most notably, the election brought the defeat of two long-term players, SDKU-DS SaS with both the People s Party-Movement for a Democratic Slovakia (LS-HZDS) and the Party of the Hungarian Coalition Most-Hid KDH (SMK) failing to surpass the 5% threshold needed to enter the parliament. e LS-HZDS s poor results will likely mean the exit of former Prime Minister Vladimir Meciar, who dominated SNS SMK LS-HZDS the political scene during much of the 1990s. In the case Source: Slovak Statistical Office of the SMK, the party clearly miscalculated in its approach, and ethnic Hungarian voters are now represented exclusively by the new Most-Hid party, which supports reconciliation and included both Hungarians and Slovaks on its election list. Most-Hid leader Bela Bugar is the former chairman of the SMK, and his party s inclusion in government will undoubtedly contribute to improved relations between Hungarians and Slovaks, a er four difficult years during the outgoing government s term. e poor results for the SNS and SMK signal that both Slovaks and Hungarians are unconvinced by extremist and exclusionary rhetoric. e elections should also have a positive impact on ties between Slovaks and Czechs, given the like-minded leadership in the two countries. Indeed, Slovak voters mimicked the latest trend in the Czech Republic, where the center right is also set to form a government a er that country s elections on May. Other major post-election changes will come on the economic and business side, where the new government is expected to make considerable strides a er the backsliding of the term. Politicians from three of the four parties have a proven track record, having cooperated together under Mikulas Dzurinda s governments in During the term, the government introduced sweeping reforms of the taxation, pension, and healthcare systems, in addition to the regional administration. While the leader of the new SaS party, Richard Sulik, is relatively unknown, he played a key role in the fiscal reforms of that period as well, having worked as advisor the Slovak Finance Ministry. e most pressing economic challenge for the new cabinet will be to cut Slovakia s fiscal deficit, which skyrocketed in 2009, as the Fico government tried to spend its way out of the global crisis. In terms of policy goals, education reforms are expected to be a key priority, helping to improve Slovakia's competitiveness over the longer term.

6 6 Friends of Slovakia Newsletter Slovak Government Honors Distinguished Expatriates (l-r) Foreign Minister Lajcak with Goodwill Envoy award recipients: Dr. Jan Vilcek, Tomas Valasek and Dr. Jaroslav Fabian he Slovak government has created a new award, Goodwill Envoy, to honor Slovak citizens who have gained world-wide recognition for their body of work. Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak presented the first honorees with their awards on March 20, 2010 at the ministry. e awardees, Jan Vilcek, M.D., Ph.D., Jaroslav Fabian, Ph.D. and Tomas Valasek, M.A., were chosen from more than 20 nominees representing the arts, science, culture, media and sport. FOS advisory board member Carl Spielvogel and his wife, Dr. Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel proposed Dr. Vilcek for his award. He is noted not only for his work in microbiology and immunology research but also of his co-discovery for a drug widely used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as Crohn s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. He has donated over $105M received from drug sales to the New York University Medical School. In 2000 Prof. Vilcek and his wife, Marica, founded the Vilcek Foundation to increase public awareness of the contributions of immigrants to academic and artistic life in the US. is year s prize winners were two microbiologists and two culinary artists. Prof. Vilcek did his academic studies in Bratislava. He and his wife le Slovakia in 1964 and were given refugee status and then offered a position at the NYU Medical School, where he is still active as a professor. Dr. Jaroslav Fabian is a world-recognized authority in the new field of spintronics, which is the use of electron spin (as opposed to charge) in electronic devices. Dr. Fabian is a professor at the University of Regensburg in the Institute of eoretical Physics. Tomas Valasek, an expert in foreign and defense policy, worked in Washington with the Center for Defense Information and later established their Brussels branch office. He returned to Slovakia to serve in the Ministry of Defense. His current position is Director for Foreign Policy and Defense at a British think tank, the Centre for European Reform. T

7 Friends of Slovakia Newsletter 7 Theodore Sedgwick Ambassador to the Slovak Republic T heodore Sedgwick is a business executive with experience in the publishing and timber industries. He founded Pasha Publications, a specialty publisher focused on energy, defense and environment markets, and served as its chief executive for 20 years. More recently, he founded Io Energy, an online energy information company covering the natural gas, coal and electricity industries. He was president of Red Hills Lumber Co., a producer of pine flooring. Prior to his appointment as Ambassador, Mr. Sedgwick served on a number of private company boards, including Inside Higher Ed, Atlantic Information Ser vices, and Washing ton Business Information Inc. He has served on the boards of a number of cultural institutions including the Folger Shakespeare Library, the Shakespeare eater Co. and the Gennadius Library in Athens, Greece. He has also served on the boards of a number of land preservation organizations, including the Civil War Preservation Trust, which he chaired in , and Wetlands America Trust, an affiliate of Ducks Unlimited. He was on the National Council of the Land Trust Alliance. Ambassador Sedgwick is a member of the Chief Executives Organization, an organization of global business leaders. Newly sworn-in Ambassador Theodore Sedgwick Ambassador Sedgwick grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated with honors from Harvard College, cum laude, where he majored in Ottoman History. Iveta Radičová Takes Charge of New Center-Right Coalition in Slovakia By omas W. Skladony veta Radičová, deputy chairman of the Slovak Democratic and Christian Union/Democratic Party (SDKÚ/DS), I became Slovakia s first female prime minister on July 8, Ms. Radičová, a sociologist-turned-politician who finished second in Slovakia s 2009 presidential election, presides over a coalition of four center-right parties that together hold 79 seats in the country s 150-seat parliament, the National Council. e plurality winner of Slovakia s June 12 national election was outgoing prime minister Robert Fico s Smer Social Democracy party, which garnered 34.8% of the vote and 62 seats (up from 50 seats in the previous parliament). Mr. Fico s erstwhile coalition partners fared less well, however: the Slovak National Party headed by Ján Slota won 5.1% of the vote and only nine seats in parliament (down from 20), while Vladimír Mečiar s Peoples Party/Movement for a Democratic Slovakia (ĽS/HZDS) did not even clear the 5% threshold. As a result, neither Mr. Mečiar a dominant and polarizing figure in Slovak politics for much of the country s political history nor any of his movement s 14 other deputies, returned to parliament. (continued on page 8) Poster for now-prime Minister Radicova: "Slovakia - A Better Place to Live" with campaign slogan "We can do it!"

8 8 Friends of Slovakia Newsletter ( continued from page 7) With Mr. Fico unable to find coalition partners that would give him a parliamentary majority, the opportunity fell to Ms. Radičová to forge an agreement among her own SDKÚ/DS (28 seats), the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH, 15 seats), Most Híd (a centrist Hungarian party whose name means bridge in Slovak and Hungarian, 14 seats), and the newly formed Freedom and Solidarity party (22 seats) launched in 2009 by economist Richard Sulik. Leaders of the four parties spent weeks negotiating details of the new government s policy priorities and the division of key ministerial posts. A number of familiar faces from the administration of former Prime Minister Mikulaš Dzurinda ( ) returned to the halls of government, including Mr. Dzurinda himself as foreign minister, Ivan Mikloš as minister of finance, and KDH s new chairman Ján Figeľ as head of the newly created ministry of transport, tourism, and regional development. Although the four parties that constitute the new coalition are generally described as a center-right, they do have some significant ideological differences. e SDKÚ-DS is defined primarily by its economic conservatism and a pro-western foreign-policy orientation, while the KDH blends traditional Christian democracy with social conservatism. Most Híd sees itself as a bridge to improving relations both among Slovaks and ethnic Hungarians living in Slovakia as well as between Slovakia and its southern neighbor Hungary. Freedom and Solidarity mixes free-market economics with social liberalism the party supports registration of same-sex partnerships and decriminalization of drug use, for example. What holds the four parties together at least for now is a shared belief that Slovakia went seriously off track during the Fico years. Key issues facing the new government include a growing budget deficit, persistent unemployment, reforming public procurement and state broadcasting, and fighting corruption. Meanwhile, from his new perch as a deputy speaker of parliament, Mr. Fico is promising vigorous opposition and is already predicting a Smer victory in the next elections. P.O. Box Washington, DC