Federal Union of European Nationalities FUEN ARCHIVE 2002

»Framework Convention for the Protection for National Minorities must be updated«
Romedi Arquint was a Round Table participant in Copenhagen

At the invitation of the Danish Parliament Folketing there was a conference in Copenhagen
about minority issues on 05/06 November 2002. In the framework of a round table, which
consisted of Bertel HAARDER, Danish minister for EU affairs, Rolf EKEUS, OSCE-High
Commissioner for national minorities, Milos BUDIN from the Council of Europe,
FUEN-President Romedi ARQUINT drew attention to the fact that the new EU states
should not treated with different standards. ARQUINT critisied that the EU demands
that the new states establish amechanism for the protection for their national minorities,
although the EU still accepts that states like France and Greece do not do anything towards
accepting their national minorities.

Furthermore ARQUINT recommends updating the present instruments like the Framework
Convention for the Protection for National Minorities and the European Charter for Regional
or Minority Languages in order to benefit the ethnic groups and national minorities in Europe.
Arquints speech is available: http://www.fuen.org/pages/english/e_5c_2002.html

From left to right: Bertel Haarder, Rolf Ekeus, Milos Budin und Romedi Arquint

On behalf of the two FUEN member organisations Bund deutscher Nordschleswiger und
Sydslesvigsk Foreining, Mr ARQUINT thanked the President of the Danish Parliament Folketing,
Mr Ivar HANSEN for the realisation of such meeting between representatives of minorities,
Parlamentarians and representatives of the future EU states.

About 100 persons participated in a/m conference . Only representatives from Russia did not attend
the conference. Mr. Claus LARSEN JENSEN stressed that the refusal was not linked to the Chechnia
conference, which took place in Copenhagen. Further reasons were not given.

Further Information:
http://www.folketinget.dk
http://www.nordschleswig.dk
http://www.sydslesvigsk-forening.de

PRESS RELEASE 2002-48

OSCE conference: »The role of citizen-oriented police work
in building confidence among minority communities«
Dr Koloman Brenner represents FUEN from 28.–29. 10. 2002 in Vienna

The OSCE conference entitled 'The role of citizen-oriented police work in building confidence
among minority communities' was devoted to a topic that is highly current, especially in a
post-conflict situation, e.g. in the Balkan region at the moment.
Almost 30 representatives from OSCE states attended the conference at the Hofburg in Vienna.
Unfortunately only few NGOs were able to participate; this was spoken about in the discussion.
FUEN was represented by Dr Koloman BRENNER (see photo), a German from Hungary.

First, Roy Fleming from Northern Ireland and Prof. Arie Bloed from the Budapest Open
Society Institute presented the concept for the so-called 'citizen-oriented police work'.
The aim is to re-establish some of the confidence lost; here, the police were to take the
first step. The police frequently tend to sympathise politically in Eastern Central Europe,
which means that the development should move more towards them being a professional
service provider. The often authoritarian, patriarchal structure of the police, the mentality of the
police, has to be changed. Quoting examples of cases from Macedonia, Russia and the Federal
Republic of Yugoslavia illustrated that models should not simply be copied. The police can
only be restructured if politics and the whole of society change.

In his contribution to the discussion, Dr BRENNER pointed out that it is important to use
methods of positive discrimination to encourage members of minorities to work within police
associations. In addition, during the training of police, special attention should be drawn to
conveying a knowledge of the culture and mentality of members of minorities. Dr Brenner
emphasised that misunderstandings occur when police are deployed because many policemen
misinterpret certain behaviour.

This process of restructuring in the OSCE countries is important as integration in the
Euro-Atlantic structures is only possible when this society has already been integrated. Dr Robin
Oakley from Great Britain maintained that there is a systematic racism in Eastern Central
and Balkan countries, and that the minorities here function as a kind of barometer. The police
often criminalise members of minorities so that implementation of the new concept is
urgently necessary.

RESS RELEASE 2002-47

National Minorities on the European Agenda
International conference on national minorities in Copenhagen

On 5-6 November 2002 the Danish Parliament, the Folketing, is hosting an international
conference on national minorities. The aim of the conference is to set focus on the
national minority issue in the context of an enlarged EU. A number of distinguished guest
speakers have been invited, among others Rolf Ekéus, the OSCE High Commissioner on
National Minorities.

The Speaker of the Folketing Ivar Hansen states: “The Danish Parliament views the Danish
Presidency of the EU as a window of opportunity to focus on the issue of national minorities
in Europe. We wish to launch a debate with the coming EU member states on the necessity
of respecting the rights of national minorities.”

On the first day of the conference there will be contributions by the Danish Foreign Minister
Per Stig Møller, Romedi Arquint, President of the Federal Union of European Nationalities, Rolf
Ekéus, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, and Rudolf Bindig, the
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

The following day rapporteurs will present three specific cases on national minorities:
The Danish Minority in Germany and the German Minority in Denmark, the Russian Minority
in Estonia, and the Slovenian Minority in Austria

Each case will be followed by a debate with an expert panel as well as questions from the
floor. The expert panel consists of Ms Hanne Severinsen, MP for the Liberal Party and
Chairman of the Danish Delegation to the Council of Europe, Mr. Claus Larsen-Jensen, MP
for the Social Democratic Party and Chairman of the European Affairs Committee, Mr. Klaus
Carsten Pedersen, Director of the Danish Foreign Society, and Mr. Jørgen Kühl, Director
of the Danish Institute of Border Region Studies.

After the conference a press conference will be held on November 6th at 1:00 PM in room
1-117 (the Greenland room) with participation by Romano Arquint, Hanne Severinsen, Claus
Larsen-Jensen, Klaus Carsten Pedersen, and Jørgen Kühl.

Parliamentarians from the EU countries, the candidate countries, and Russia – which means
representatives from approximately 30 countries – have been invited to the conference.
Simultaneous interpretation will be provided into and from English, French, German, and
Russian. The programme and list of participants can be found on the following web-site:
http://www.euo.dk/minority

The conference will be held in cooperation with the Danish Minority Association in Germany
(SSF) and the German Minority Association in Denmark (BdN).

Further information:
There are a limited number of seats available for the press.
For registration please contact information officer
Mr. Søren Koushede
phone no.: + 45 33 37 33 21
or mobile phone: + 45 51 64 00 88.
Closing date for registration: November 4th, 2002.

PRESS RELEASE 2002-46

Youth-Congress: „Europe in motion - where are the minorities?“
Seminar of the Youth of European Nationalities in Northern Schleswig, Denmark

From 31th of October until 3rd of November the 6th youth-leader-seminar of the
Youth of European Nationalities -YEN (http://www.yeni.org) will be held on the Knivsberg
in Northern-Schleswig, Denmark. The YEN is the greatest union for youth-organisations
of national minorities in Europe. At the moment there are 21 ethnic groups from all parts
of Europe represented as members. About 50 young people will participate this year at
the annual youth-leader seminar, e.g. Hungarians from Romania, Croats from Hungary
and Austria, Rhaetians from Switzerland, Germans from Russia, South-Tyrolians from Italy,
Frisians from Germany and the Netherlands, Sorbs and Danes from Germany.

This time the meeting is organized by YEN, the German Youth-Association for Northern-
Schleswig (DJN) and the political and cultural youth-organisation „Junge SPitzen“
(http://www.jungespitzen.dk). The organizers chose the motto: „Europe in motion - where
are the minorities?“. »With the seminar we have two different aims: First we want to show the participants
a realistic picture of the minority-situation in Denmark and try to promote possible solutions and support
based on we experiences we made with our so called border region-model to other minorities.
The second point is the organisational development of the YEN as a dynamic and vital network
for minorities,« explains the president of YEN, Jan Diedrichsen from Kiel (see photo).

Beside explanations about the German-Danish-Frisian borde-rregion and the work with our
own organisation as a highlight there will the YEN-culture night on Saturday the 3rd
November. To the music of the Frisian Jazzband „Da Åntretemåntre“ a fine programe is offered.

Next time the YEN will meet at the „Easter-Seminar 2003“ of the Carinthian Slovenes in Austria.

Further informations available:
http://www.yeni.org
http://www.jungespitzen.dk

PRESS RELEASE 2002-45

Good result for Germans in Hungary at the local elections

On the 20th of October 8,1 million voters were called to elect mayors and local councillors
as well as self administration for the minorities within Hungary. There was voted in all
3153 local districts. The turnout of about 51 % was 5 % higher than 4 years before.
In 1308 places it came to the election of 1.870 minority self administrations with
a total number of candidates of 14.780. 9.500 were independent while 5.000 of them were
nominated by organisations. Compared to the last elections the number of candidates
increased up 4.300 canditates more than 1998. Among them were 2.007 Germans
(1791 independent, the rest nominated by 30 organisations).

According the provisional results it will be possible to find German self administrations
in 318 local districts. In comparison: between 1994 and 1998 there were 164 of those
institutions. In the last period their number was 247. 291 German minority-self-administrations
( with between 3 and 5 representatives) are expected to be founded. In 11 districts 1/3
of the elected representatives can set up a local partial-minority self administration, in 38
districts the local municipality can function as minority self administration itself.
According to our information 453 mandates in the village and municipal
councils were reached by Hungarian-German candidates. Their composition looks like this:

mayors in places with less than 10 000 inhabitants: 35
councillors in places with less than 10 000 inhabitants: 382
councillors in places with more than 10 000 inhabitants: 36

There is a German-Slovakian, a German-Polish and a German-Gypsie councillor. The
number of the elected members of the German minority-self administration was not yet clear
as we went to press.

There are also overlaps. In Nadasch e.g., where the vice-president of the parliament
Franz Wekler became mayor, all 5 members of the minority-self administration are also
councillors of the local municipality. So the German-speaking minority is ín second place
among all native ethnic communities. The most self administrations, 547, can be set up by
gypsies. They candidated in 1053 places. The provisional final result will be published after
vaiously fixed periods of time, the office-chief of the election authority Mrs Emilia Rytkó informed
editor Albin Lukács from „Neue Zeitung Budapest“.

Further detailled information as well as an interview with Otto Heinek
will be published by the German newspaper „Neue Zeitung“.

No. 43 Neue Zeitung in Budpest
+36-(1)-302-67-84
neueztg@hu.inter.net
http://www.extra.hu/neuezeitung

PRESS RELEASE 2002-44

»Friisk Harfsthuuchschölj«: Frisian from morning to night
Frisian Autumn Academy at Danish High School (Højskole) in Jarplund

A date kids and youngsters eagerly await each year is for the Frisian Autumn Academy
held by the Foriining for nationale Friiske, in Frisian: Friisk Harfsthuuchschölj. And this
year, too. As the autumn holidays approach, 50 participants gathered once again for
a five-day Frisian get-together for the young and young-at-heart. Now the 15th
Harfsthuuchschölj, it took place at the Danish High School (Højskole) in Jarplund. As
always, a varied programme, this year's event include the production of info charts, a painting
and a guitar course, films and Frisian puppet theatre. Music and handicrafts, like sewing
or woodwork, are now part of the standard activities offered. A paper chase, a lantern
procession around the Jaruplund Højskole and a presentation by Antje Arfsten from
Nordfriisk Instituut (http://www.nordfriisk-instituut.de) about the Bordelum Rotte region
rounded off the event.

The Frisian Autumn Academy has given spoken Frisian new impetus,' the President
of the Foriining, Jörgen Jensen Hahn, who numbered among the participants with his
youngest daughter, is firmly convinced of this: “For many children, youngsters and parents, the
Frisian Autumn Academy has become an annual date on the calendar that has again
been noted for 2003. The Autumn Academy is a very clear example of the integrated approach
to spoken Frisian. This is a place where various fields meet in a totally natural way: school, leisure
and adult education.'

Further information:
Foriining for nationale Friiske
http://www.friiske.de

PRESS RELEASE 2002-43

11th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference in St Petersburg
FUEN Vice-President Hans Heinrich Hansen represented FUEN from 30.09.–01.10.2002

The minorities have to be particularly taken into consideration—especially in the Baltic region
-at the moment after the independence of the former CIS states,' is the opinion of Hans
Heinrich Hansen (see photo), who was the first representative of FUEN to go as an observer,
together with parliamentary delegates from Schleswig-Holstein led by Landtagspräsident
Heinz-Werner Arens, to the 11th Baltic Parliamentary Conference in St Petersburg from 30 September to 1
October. About 140 participants from Baltic states took part in the conference.

Europe is moving after the fall of the Wall. Ten new countries are soon to become members of the
EU and each of these states has minorities. The Baltic countries have experienced considerable
changes since their independence. Majorities have become minorities and vice versa. If they are
unable to live in peace and friendship, these countries—in which we place great hope—could go
through difficulties,' Hans Heinrich Hansen said after the conference.

The President of Schleswig-Holstein Parliament, Heinz-Werner Arens, had declared that the
foundations, on which the cooperation in the Baltic region is based, are marked by a philosophy
of rapprochement and growth from bottom to top. 'If this basis is not stabilised everywhere,
the whole system will start shaking,' Heinz-Werner Arens comments.
Hans Heinrich Hansen's opinion on this: 'we, as a minority organisation, can hear the grass
grow because we see the world from below, and we see our task as being to indicate developments
at an early stage that could detract from peaceful coexistence. That the minority issues in countries
that are not so secure in social and political respects as here in the German-Danish border region,
could hold substantial conflict potential, was illustrated the last time by the former Yugoslavia.
Wherever we are able to help with our knowledge and our understanding of minorities, we will help'.

The participation of FUEN in the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) is, in the words of Hans
Heinrich Hansen, extremely important in order to support the idea of diversity of regions in a unified
Europe. 'The parliamentary delegates also have, of course, other problems to solve than minority
issues, but without the minorities, Europe is only a torso. After all, one in seven citizens in Europe
belongs to a minority. To neglect these would be criminal negligence. And so we are very pleased
to see that Schleswig-Holstein has taken the initiative and that, with the involvement of the Land
President Heinz-Werner Arens, we have been able to obtain observant status at the Baltic Sea
Parliamentary Conference'.

At the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference, the President of the Federation Council, Sergey
Mironov, the President of the Russian Duma, Gennady Seleznev, the Chairman of the Council
Assembly of St Petersburg, Sergey Karasov, and the Governor of St Petersburg, Vladimir Yakovlev,
mentioned the special minority situation in the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Further information:
Bund deutscher Nordschleswiger
http://www.nordschleswig.dk

PRESS RELEASE 2002-42

FUEN-Congress in Subotica available as pdf-format
47th FUEN Congress on Nationalities from 08-12 May 2002 in Subotica/Yugoslavia

The Federal Union of European Nationalities held its 47th Congress on Nationalities and its obligatory
Assembly of Delegates in Subotica/Vojvodina from 9–11 May 2002. The documentation
of a/m event is just finished and available on following site:

http://www.fuen.org/pdfs/20020927DOKU_SUBOTICA.pdf

PRESS RELEASE 2002-41

OSCE-Implementation meeting 2002 in Warszawa
Richard Donitza represented FUEN on 11 September 2002

In the framework of the main topics »Tolerance and Nondiscrimination« the participants
of the OSCE-Implementation meeting 2002 in Warszawa dealt with minority issues on
11 September 2002. A lot of NGOs, State representatives from Europe and USA
gave status reports about the minority situations in specific countries.

The FUEN was represented by Richard DONITZA, Executive Secretary of the Social
Cultural Society of the Germans in Silesia (German minority in Poland http;//www.vdg.pl)
and Deputy of the Sejmik Opole (see photo).

State representatives in particular value the present protection of minorities as satisfactory,
but unfortunately there was too little time to go into more detail. That meant that an exchange
of ideas between NGOs and State representatives was not possible. At the end conference
focused on the Gypsies. All speakers agreed that the present living situation of such minority is
unacceptable.

»Ways and new concepts were not discussed and positive developments, which can
regarded as model could not be dealt with on account of the lack of time«, critised DONITZA.

PRESS RELEASE 2002-40

EBLUL celebrates its 20-year anniversary and the European Day of Languages

The consciousness of the Europeans for lesser-used languages has grown
within the last twenty years’, says Bojan Brezigar, President of EBLUL,
convinced. ‘But there is still a lot to do, as Europe is far from a
practical implementation of the principles stated in the EU Charter of
Fundamental Rights.’

Looking into the future Brezigar says that the aim of EBLUL is to achieve a
basic standard for the protection and promotion of regional or minority
languages by implementing the principle of linguistic diversity. ‘Even if we
know that the situation differs from state to state, or even from community
to community, we understand that a certain general understanding of this
issue is needed. In order to reach this goal, some competences should be
given to the EU and a specific legal basis on regional and minority
languages should be adopted,’ Brezigar states.

It is not a coincidence that EBLUL celebrates its anniversary today. The
date is closely connected to the European Day of Languages on the 26
September, proclaimed by the Council of Europe last year as an annual event.
This is the result of the enthusiasm with which this day, but also the
European Year of Languages in general, was celebrated in 2001.
‘We appreciate it very much that linguistic diversity will be celebrated not
only within the European Union but also in the 45 member states of the
Council of Europe,’ says Markus Warasin, Secretary General of EBLUL. ‘It is
a good acknowledgement for EBLUL’s motto ‘Unity in diversity’. It also shows
that the linguistic diversity is a valuable heritage for all Europeans, not
only the speakers of lesser-used languages.’

Further details available:
EUROPEAN BUREAU FOR
LESSER USED LANGUAGES (EBLUL)
http://www.eblul.org

PRESS RELEASE 2002-39

Representation of minorities - forms and structures be to represented
Annual meeting of the workshop of Slavonic national minorities in the FUEN
from 10 - 14 October 2002 in Bautzen/Budysin im Serbski Dom/ House of Sorbs

The FUEN-member organisation the Council of Lusatian Sorbs »Zwjazk Luziskich Serbow Domowina«
is organizing the annual meeting for Slavonic national minorities in the Federal Union of European
Nationalities. The topics of these annual meetings change regularly and are evaluated
correspondingly.

The main topic of the annual session will focus on »Representation of minorities - forms and structures
be to represented« The conference will be opened by Jan NUCK, chairman of the Lusatian Sorbs and
FUEN-Vice-President Dr Ludwig ELLE. Among lectures and seminars to a/m there will also be speeches
made by political representatives and a reception given by the Mayor of Bautzen, Mr. Christian SCHRAMM.
Furthermore the hosts are organizing the so-called Serbska kermus and cultural perfomances.
FUEN President Romedi ARQUINT will end the seminar with concluding remarks.

After a Sorbian-Catholic service and a guided tour of the city of Bautzen the venue ends with the 90th
anniversary of the Domowina in the Lusatian Hall of Hoyerswerda.This anniversary will also be attended
by the German minister for Internal Affairs, Otto SCHILY, the Prime Minister of Saxony,
Prof. Dr. Georg MILBRADT and Prime Minister of Brandenburg, Matthias PLATZECK.

The organizers expect guests from from Austria, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, FR of Germany, Hungary,
Slovakia, Ukraine, FR of Yugoslavia and the Czech Republic

Further details available:
Zwjazk Luziskich Serbow Domowina
Postplatz 2
D - 02625 Bautzen / Budysin
Domowina@t-online.de
http://www.sorben-wenden.de

PRESS RELEASE 2002-38

International Radio Council established
Radiostations from Romania, Hungary and Serbia founded the Radio Council »Funkforum«

On 16 September 2002 an international Radio Council was established in Timisoara/Romania.
It consists of radio stations from Romania, Hungary and Serbia. Chairwoman of the council is
the editor of Radio Temeswar, Ingrid SCHIFFER.

The council consists of seven radio stations from Romania, one radio station from Hungary and
the German programme of Radio Subotica. Preparations had been going on since March 2001.
Before the foundation there was an active exchange of contributions between the radio stations.

It is planned to expand the work to also include Croatia. In Essegg/Osijek a German programme
is planned. Among those who participated in the celebrations were the chairman of the Germans
in Hungary, Mr. Otto HEINEK, the Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Timisoara,
Mr. Klaus-Peter MARTE, and the State Secretary in the Romanian Ministry for Information,
Mr. Ovidio GANT.

Further details available:
No. 37 , Neue Zeitung in Budpest
+36-(1)-302-67-84
neueztg@hu.inter.net
http://www.extra.hu/neuezeitung

PRESS RELEASE 2002-37

»»Mediaprojects of German-speaking National Minorities and Ethnic Groups in Europe«
The FUEN-Presidium participated in the XIII Congress on Nationalities in Carinthia

The Carinthian Government, Office for Ethnic Groups, the Carinthian Institute for Ethnic Minorities
(www.cifem.at) and the European Ethnic Broadcasting Association were the organizers of the
XIII Congress on Nationalities in Carinthia, which was held from 12-14 September 2002. Among
representatives from diffferent National Minorities and Ethnic Groups the FUEN were also represented
by its president Romedi ARQUINT, its Vice-presidents Dr. Ludwig ELLE, Dr. Bruno HOSP, TONKOVIC
and Secretary Gary FUNCK.

The main topic of the conference was "Mediaprojects of German-speaking National Minorities
and Ethnic Groups in Europe" and focused on journalists which belong to majorities and minorities from
West, Central and Easteurope.

FUEN-President Romedi ARQUINT, who had already held a speech on 11 September 2002 in
Tainach/Carinthia regarding town signs in two languages, underlined FUEN`position in a round table
discussion which focused on the media situation.: »Basically there is no ideal solution. It is necessary
to discuss how to improve the present situation« ARQUINT recommends that the National Minorities
and Ethnic Groups focus on the new media in order to establish themselves in those fields

In respective of this Reginald VOSPERNIK, representative of the national minorities in the
Council of the Austrian Radio/TV Council ORF welcomed that 2003 it is planned to establish radio
programmes for Gypsies, Slovaks and Czechs. The final decision will be made by the ORF.

The conference was opened with a photo exhibition about the 10th anniversary of the Gypsies in Austria.
Austria is the only EU-state at the moment which recognizes the Gypsies as an ethnic group.
From left to right: Bela Tonkovic, Dr. Bruno Hosp, DDr. Karl Anderwald (Chairman of CIFEM),
Romedi Arquint, Dr. Ludwig Elle and Gary Funck.

PRESS RELEASE 2002-36

Council of Europe integrates NGO representatives from Central and Eastern Europe
in its work
Working visit of INGO representatives
from central and eastern Europe from 21 – 26 September 2002 in Strasbourg

In the framework of a Working visit of INGO representatives in Strasbourg, in order to study the different
departments of the Council of Europe the FUEN will be represented by Ms. Leila SULEIMANOVA from the
Public Movement “Multinational Georgia” .

The organizers od the event are Liaison Committee of INGOs, dem NGOs Unit, NGO Civil Society Division,
and the Directorate General for Political Affairs.

The aims of the event are
Information about the Council of Europe’s work
Information about the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Congress of Local and
Regional Authorities of Europe
Information about the INGOs’ work at the Council of Europe and to
Integrate NGO representatives from central and eastern Europe in this work.

Ms SULEIMANOVA will be accompanied by the two representatives of FUEN: President Romedi ARQUINT
and former president Per LE MOINE.

PRESS RELEASE 2002-35

FUEN-Seminar available as pdf-format
FUEN-Seminar in Cooperation with the Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein
and the European Academy Sankelmark from 13-14 June 2002 now available as pdf-format

The FUEN organised a two day seminar in cooperation with the Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein and the European Academy Sankelmark about the small ethnic groups without a so-called »Kin-State« (> see programme press releases no. 24, 27). The documentation of a/m event is just finished and available on following sites:

http://www.fuen.org/pdfs/20020814DOKUSankelmark.pdf
http://www.fuen.org/pdfs/20020614Saami_Sara.pdf

PRESS RELEASE 2002-34

Youth of Kosovo-Albanians and Serbs come together
at OSCE Seminar from 30.08. - 02.09.2002 in Subotica

Under the chairmanship of the OSCE representatives from different non-governmental
youth-organisation from Serbia and Kosovo met together. The main topic of the seminar was
how to deal with the after-war period and how to create peaceful coexistence, for all national
minorities and ethnic groups in Kosovo

FUEN-Vice-president Bela TONKOVIC, and also Deputy Mayor of Subotica welcomed the
participants and drew attention to the experiences Subotica has made as multi-ethnic town
and the province Vojvodina has made as a multi-ethnic region A region where it was succeed in
guaranteeing the youth a peaceful coexistence of different mentalities.

Furthermore the participants were informed of the aims and the work of FUEN in general and -
and FUEN`s specific role in conflict situations.

The main organizers were OSCE in cooperation with the Centre for Regionalism / Novi Sad.
The participants also took part in several events of the town of Subitica, in which all minorities
contributed multilingual shows.

PRESS RELEASE 2002-33

German minorities from 22 states meet in Sankelmark
Annual meeting of the Workshop of German national minorities in the FUEN from
10 - 13 October 2002 at the European Academy Sankelmark / Schleswig-Holstein http://www.eash.de

The workshop of German national minorities in the Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN) will
be meeting for the 12th time this year. This workshop was established on the initiative of the German
Ministry for Internal Affairs in 1991 in Budapest as an informal workshop, including all those
organisations within the FUEN, the umbrella organisation of national minorities and ethnic groups
in Europe, which regard themselves as German minority organisations.

The main topic will be the documentation regarding the Ratification of the Framework Convention for the
protection of national minorities (see press release no. 2002-32)

The event will be opened by FUEN-Vicepresident Hans Heinrich HANSEN, Head
of Section in the German Ministry for Internal Affairs, Dr Detlev REIN, the Commissioner to
the Minister of the Land Schleswig-Holstein for Minority Affairs, Ms. Renate SCHNACK and the
Director of the European Academy Sankelmark / Schleswig-Holstein, Mr. Rainer PELKA.
Lectures will be held by Heinrich SCHULTZ, chairman of the Danish minority in Germany
(http://www.sydslesvigsk-forening.de) and Hans Heinrich HANSEN, chairman of the German minority in Denmark
(http://www.nordschleswig.dk)

PRESS RELEASE 2002-32

Documentation regarding the Ratification of the Framework Convention for the
protection of national minorities
Questionnaire to the FUEN-Member organisations

Regarding a questionaire to member organisations asking for information on the involvement of representatives of ethnic groups affected in the compilation of the state reports for the charter, the presidium wants to know whether positive results can be documented regarding the ratification of the Framework Convention for the protection of national minorities. In the course of a few days FUEN expects completed questionnaires by the FUEN-Member organisations. The results will be made public on the website of FUEN

PRESS RELEASE 2002-31

Youth 2002 visit FUEN

In the framework of the Danish EU-presidency there is a project called Youth 2002 which is a European youth event with the intent to gather 1000 young people from all the EU-member states, applicant countries and the Balkans, at thirteen adult education centres in Denmark. Youth 2002 began on June 30th 2002 in Copenhagen and will end on July 13th 2002.

Three representatives from Turkey, Latvia and Italy (see photo) visited the FUEN-Secretariat and were
intruduced to the work and aims of the FUEN by Executive Secretary Frank Nickelsen.

The a/m youth2002 representatives are accomodated at Rønshoved Højskole. Rønshoved Højskole is situated in the border region between Denmark and Germany. It has been the scene
of many wars and conflicts, but is, today, a region characterised by Danish, Frisian and German minorities,
living peacefully on either side of the border.

More information about Youth 2002
http://www.youth2002.org

From left to right
Aleksanders Rzavins (Russian in Latvia), Elisabeth Alber (South Tyrolian in Italy) and Hakan Ener (Turkey)

PRESS RELEASE 2002-30

48 th FUEN-Congress on Nationalities 2003 in South Tyrol
FUEN-Presidium meeting 06 July 2002 in Bozen / Bolzano

A couple of days ago the FUEN presidium (see photo below) met in Bozen / Bolzano. It was decided to arrange the next FUEN Congress on Nationalities from 29 to 31 May 2003 in Bozen / Bolzano. Further details will be made public as soon as possible.

Questionnaire to the FUEN-Member organisations
Regarding a questionaire to member organisations asking for information on the involvement of representatives of ethnic groups affected in the compilation of the state reports for the charter, the presidium wants to know whether positive results can be documented regarding the ratification of the Framework Convention for the protection of national minorities. In the course of a few days FUEN will send questionnaires out to the FUEN-Member organisations. The results will be made public on the website of FUEN

Creation of a FUEN prize and a FUEN Expert group
Further topics were the a/m creation of a FUEN prize for persons whose efforts benefit national minorities and the installation of a FUEN Expert group to focus on minority issues.

Talks in South Tyrol
Before a/m meeting FUEN-President Romedi Arquint took the opportunity to talk to the vicepresident of the Region of Trentino-South Tyrol, Dr Richard Theiner as well as Dr Markus Warasin, Secretary General of the European Bureau for Lesser Used Languages.

The Presidium of FUEN
from left to right:
Dr. Bruno Hosp (South Tyrolian in Italy), Romedi Arquint (Rhaetian in Switzerland), Bela Tonkovic (Croat in Yugoslavia), Joseph Komlóssy (representative of Hungarian minorities living in Switzerland) and Dr. Ludwig Elle (Sorb in Germany).
Mr. Hans Heinrich Hansen (German in Denmark) is missing from the picture

PRESS RELEASE 2002-29

Meskhetians on Hunger Strike

About 200 people of 68 Meskhetian families living in the village of Kievskoye, Krymski District,
Krasnodar Kray, Russia, started a hunger strike today, 22 June, 2002, protesting against the
policy of the district's and Kray's authorities, which is aimed at their ousting from the Kray.

Regarding a press release of the Novorossiysk Human Rights Committee the UN High Commissioner on Refugees has decided to send his plenipotentiary representative to Kuban (Krasnodar Kray).

Press release of the Novorossiysk Human Rights Committee, 22 June 2002

For more information:
Matvey Borsuk,
tel.: 681-7-611-070, fax: 681-7-610-610
E-mail: pressankph@rambler.ru
http://www.kpd.nvrsk.ru/monit.htm

PRESS RELEASE 2002-28

FUEN and MRG recommend UN to install High Commissioner for Minority issues
FUEN-Vicepresident Joseph Komlóssy in Geneva

In the framework of the 8th session of the Working Group on Minorities at the end of May 2002 in Geneva, the Minority Rights Group/London (http://www. minorityrights.org) and a number of NGO`s - also the Federal Union of European Nationalities - called on the UN Commission on Human Rights to appoint a Special Representative of the Secretary General on Minorities, thus responding to specific requests made in this regard by the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and the Working Group on Minorities.

The special representative`s mandate would primarily focus on the prevention of conflicts involving minorities. Furthermore the mandate would include the promotion of inter-community dialogue and cooperation between states and minority communities to address latent conflicts and to de-escalate tension and, as necessary, provide early warning to the Security Council and Secretary-General, as well as other bodies.

PRESS RELEASE 2002-27

Long term policy for minority issues requested
FUEN-Seminar in Cooperation with the Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein
and the European Academy Sankelmark from 13-14 June 2002

The FUEN organised a two day seminar in cooperation with the Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein and the European Academy Sankelmark about the small ethnic groups without a so-called »Kin-State« (> see programme press release no. 24). The venue consisted of three parts: Round Table Discussion, workshop and excursion. The first part - the round table discussion (see photo below) was chaired by Director of the Academy, Dr Rainer Pelka..

Dr. Ludwig Elle (FUEN-Vice-president and a Sorbe/see photo above) opened the conference. Futher participants of the round table discussion were Dr. Alexander Morawa (European Centre for Minority Issues), Hans-Heinrich Hansen (FUEN-Vice-president), Dr. Brunon Synak (Vice-President of the Sejmik of Pommerania and President of the Kasubian Pommeranian Association) Rolf Fischer (Member of the Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein
Chairman of the European Commitee), Ulrich Bohner (Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe, Council of Europe) and Lars Harms (Member of the Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein and Member of the Frisian minority in Germany).

In the course of the round table discussion all participants agreed on the importance of maintaining small language groups and their cultures. Dr. Bruno Synak from Poland believes in a great chance especially for the Kasubian association. It is very important to interest the majority for minority issues and to make decisions only with both parts, that means minority and majority. In this case the Chairman of the European Commitee and member of the Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein, Mr. Rolf Fischer stressed the creation of a long term policy for minority issues on the basis of a greater acceptance of the majoriy population. Lars Harms - also member of the Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein and a Frisian drew attention to the fact that the majority also benefits from minorities.

Prof Els Oksaar from the University Hamburg held a lecture on the European Charter for Regional or minority languages before the President of the Schleswig-Holstein Parliament, Mr. Heinz Werner Arens finished the first part of the conference with concluding words.

The second part of the conference consisted of a workshop (see photo below) with the title:»Strategies of how to save the languages of autochthons little spoken from the standpoint of those concerned«
All representatives took the opportunity to introduce their specific minority situation before Drs. Henk Wolf from the Fryske Akademy, Ljouwert/Leeuwarden, NL made a longer speech about the West Frisian minority.

From left to right: Iaco Rigo (representative of the Ladins / South Tyrol / Italy), Dr. Brunon Synak (Vice-President of the des Sejmik of Pommerania and President of the Kasubian Pommeranian Association) Anders Sara (representative of the Samii in Norway), Dr. Nigel Hicks ( representative of the Cornish in Great Britain), Marcel Cantieni (representative of the Rhaetians in Switzerland), Lars Harms (Frisian minority in Germany), Henk Wolf (Fryske Akademy and representative of the West Frisians and finally Dr. Ludwig Elle (FUEN-Vice-president and a Sorbe)

The situations are totally different: The Cornish minority fights for its official acceptance by the British government, while the Frisians in the Netherlands have their own radio and TV programme and are represented in a political party. Ethnic groups have totally different problems in relation to national minorities:
Difference in their language, illiteracy, less media pesence and less acceptance in the majority. Those disadvantages must be overcome in the future. The day was finished by a Musical Contribution »Da åntretemåntre« (Frisian Jazz)

At the end of the seminar different Frisian organisations and institutes were visited, such as the Frisian Danish School (see photo below) and the «Andersen-House»in Risum-Lindholm and finally the „Nordfriisk Instituut“ in Bredstedt.

After the introduction of the Frisian Danish School by its headmaster and chairman of the »Foriining for nationale Friiske« Mr. Jörgen Jensen Hahn, the pupils presented a performance in 5 different languages, to stress the advantage of teaching in several languages.

PPRESS RELEASE 2002-26

Frisians meet Rhaetians
Language journey of the Foriining for nationale Friiske to the Rhaetians

The Foriining for nationale Friiske offers another language journey this year .
This time it is planned to go from 21 to 28 Juli 2002 to Switzerland.
In particular it is planned to visit the Rhaetian minority in the Engadine, in the Canton Grison.
The aims of these trips are to get to know other minorities in general and to focus on the differences
between both minorities. Furthermore it is the Foriining for nationale Friiske`s aim to improve its own
language.

There are still seats available!

Interested parties who are able to understand Frisian or want to learn Frisian are welcome to contact:

Foriining for nationale Friiske
Moose 4
D-25842 Aaster-Beergem/Ost-Bargum
0049 - (0) - 4672-77520
0049 - (0) - 170 2868779 Mobil
0049 - (0) - 4672-77521 Fax
M.Nissen@friiske.de

PRESS RELEASE 2002-25

FUEN-Delegation in Moscow
Romedi Arquint and Hans Heinrich Hansen were invited to the Russian Duma

FUEN-President Romedi ARQUINT and FUEN-Vice-president Hans Heinrich HANSEN were invited to the Russian Duma to hold lectures about the European minority situation in general
and about the installation of an Ombudsman for minority issues in particular. The visit was on 20th May 2002. The draft of the installation of an Ombudsman were discussed by the President of the Russian DUMA, Mr. Genadij SELEJEW and the President of the Commission for Minority Issues, Mr. Valentin NIKITIN. Furthermore a lot of representatives of Russian politics and science were present. The a/m draft will be discussed and adopted in autumn.
„All involved participants consider the preservation of peace between the 170 existing
national minorities as an important element of the multi-ethnic federation and want to emphasize this by installation of an Ombudsman, says ARQUINT. Some participants were concerned about the fact that the Russian Government did not draw attention to this important issue.
The organisers proposed a follow-up venue in Western Europe, which would focus on the a/m issue in more detail.

PRESS RELEASE 2002-24

»Cultural variety and identity in Europe«
FUEN- Seminar in cooperation with the the Land Schleswig-Holsteinischen and the European
Akademy Sankelmark on 13./14. 06. 2002 in Sankelmark http://www.eash.de

The FUEN plans a conference in cooperation with the Land Schleswig-Holstein and the European
Academy Sankelmark for ethnic groups without a so-called kingstate. Follwing groups will be focosed on
Kasubians, Rhaetians, Ladins, Frisians, Sorbs, Saami and the Cornish.

The Conference will be hold in German and English.

Present Programme

Cultural variety and identity in Europe

Thursday, 13th
Juni 2002
I. Information- and Discussion

09.30 h Welcoming words
Dr. Ludwig ELLE, Vicepresident of FUEN

09.40 h Regional Identity in Europe: Contributions from a political standpoint

Round Table and Discussion

Participants:

MdL Rolf FISCHER, Member of the Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein
Chairman of the European Commitee

Dr. Brunon SYNAK, Vice-President of the des Sejmik of Pommerania,
President of the Kasubian Pommeranian Association

Ulrich BOHNER, Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe
Council of Europe

Dr. Alexander MORAWA, European Centre for Minority Issues (ECMI)

Lars HARMS, Member of the Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein
Member of the Frisian minority in Germany

Hans-Heinrich HANSEN, Vicepresident of FUEN

chaired by:
Dr. Rainer PELKA, Director of European Akademy Sankelmark

11.45 h Coffee Break

12.15 h The European Charter of Regional or Minority Languages
according to experts
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c.mult. Els OKSAAR, University of Hamburg

13.00 h Concluding words
Heinz-Werner ARENS, President of the Land of Schleswig-Holstein

13.10 h Lunch (Paricipants must pay their own costs)

II. Workshop

14.15 h Strategies of how to save the languages of autochthonous little spoken from the standpoint of those concerned

Presentation of divers ethnic groups

Kasubians, Dr. Brunon SYNAK
Rhaetians, Martin CANTIENI
Ladins, Iaco RIGO
Frisians, MdL Lars HARMS
Sorbs, Dr. Ludwig ELLE
Saami , Ándde (Anders) SARA and the
Cornish, Dr Nigel HICKS

15.45 h Coffee Break

16.15 h A possible solution: The Westfrisians in the Netherlands

Drs. Henk WOLF, Fryske Akademy, Ljouwert / Leeuwarden

Discussion

17.15 h Concluding words
Dr. Ludwig ELLE, Vicepresident of FUEN

18.00 h Dinner (Paricipants must pay their own costs)

20.00 h Musical Contribution
Da åntretemåntre (Frisian Jazz)

Friday, 14th
Juni 2002
III. Excursion to North Frisia

09.00 h Excursion to North Frisia

10.00 h Visit to »Risem-Schölj« (Danish-Frisian School)
in Risum-Lindholm
Presentation of the organisations/institutions:
Rökefloose (Thore JOHANNSEN/Güde BOYSEN)
Ferian för en nuardfresk radioo (Wolfgang MÖLLER/Gary FUNCK)
Danish-Frisian School (Jörgen JENSEN HAHN)

11.00 h Tour of the school and participation in Frisian lessons

12.00 h Lunch in the Restaurant Fraschlönj (Risum-Lindholm)

13.00 h Visit to the »Andersen-Hauses«
Presentation of the organisations
»Nordfriesischen Vereins« and the »Ååstermooringer«
(Thomas HEINSEN / Maren PETERSEN)

14.45 h Visit to Stollberg Lookout Tower

Visit to the »Nordfriisk Instituut

15.15 h Presentation of the Institute, Antje ARFSTEN
Followed by tour of the institute

16.15 h Return to Sankelmark

17.00 h End of Conference
Coffee Break in the European Academy Sankelmark
and departure

PRESS RELEASE 2002-23

Regional diversity of minorities and cultural cross-border cooperation
47th FUEN Congress on Nationalities from 08-12 May 2002 in Subotica/Yugoslavia

The Federal Union of European Nationalities held its 47th Congress on Nationalities and its obligatory
Assembly of Delegates in Subotica/Vojvodina from 9–11 May 2002. It took place for the first time in the
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

The congress was devoted to the subject "The regional diversity of minorities and cultural cross-border
cooperation" and was attended by more than 250 participants from 22 different states. The majority of
these were representatives of minorities from over 70 member associations, although state
representatives, scientists and a number of members of the media were present (see photo below)

The event was opened by FUEN President Romedi ARQUINT. Other welcoming speeches were
made by Jovo KOMSIC (government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia), Ulrich BOHNER (Council of
Europe), Dr Korhecz TAMAS (Autonomous Provice of Vojvodina), István ISPÀNOVICS (Subotica
municipality) and Bela TONKOVIC (Chairman of the host organisation Demokratski Savez Hrvata u
Vojvodini).

"In Europe, we are currently re-interpreting the traditional definition of the border as a dividing element,
as a contact axis, as a bridge that facilitates contact with each other and thus promotes cooperation
between states. Lingual and cultural contacts across borders should consequently be fostered and not
obstructed," is what FUEN President Romedi ARQUINT (Switzerland) pointed out in his opening speech.
The text of Arquint's speech can be found at: http://www.fuen.org/pages/english/e_5c_2002.html

The personal advisor of the OSCE High Commissioner for national minorities, Dr Walter KEMP,
presented the instruments and strategies of the OSCE, while Ulrich BOHNER from the Congress of Local and regional Authorities CLRAE of the Council of Europe presented a number of instruments and highlighted the situation of the Balkan

PRESS RELEASE 2002-22

FUEN now numbers 75 members!
47th FUEN Congress on Nationalities from 08-12 May 2002 in Subotica/Yugoslavia

During the regular FUEN Assembly of Delegates a minority organisation from Great Britain was
admitted as a member for the first time in more than 20 years. This is the Cornish Stannary Parliament located in Redruth/Cornwall. .
Es handelt sich um das Cornish Stannary Parliament mit Sitz in Redruth / Cornwall.

Cornish delegates: Dr. Hicks and Rodney Nute

All new members or new classifications:

Ordinary members
Demokratische Union der Ungarn in Kroatien (HR), Union fur und Sprache und Kultur der Arumunen (MK), Der nationale Rat des balkarischen Volkes (RUS), Slowakische Landesselbstverwaltung (H), , die Inguschische Allnationale Union "Dajmochk" ("Das Vaterland") (RUS) , Assoziation der griechischen Gesellschaften (GE), Assoziation der griechischen Gesellschaften (RUS)

Associate members
The Cornish Stannary Parliament (GB), Deutscher Volksverband (YU), Zentrum für aromunische Sprache und Kultur (BG) Macedonian minority in Greece (GR) Nogai Volk Birlik (RUS), Public Movement Multinational Georgia" (GE), Assoziation der Deutschen in Usbekistan (UZ).

All members of the FUEN:
http://www.fuen.org/pages/english/e_3_2002.html

The Assembly of Delegates also attended to regular business like the annual report for 2001 and the proposed budget for 2002.

The main resolution reflects a general and quite unsatisfactory status for minority policy in Europe. "Europe continues to adhere to the paradigm of the national-state ideology and only hesitantly moves towards a political concept to preserve the diversity of languages and ethnic characteristics and implement this," Rhaeto-Roman Arquint commented.

In addition, the Assembly of Delegates passed various appeals:
from the Cornish in Great Britain, the Ingushetians in Russia, the Turkish Meskhets in Russia and Georgia, he Dolomite Ladins in Italy, the Gypsies in Germany and the Carpathian-Rusyn people in the Ukraine.

All resolutions passed are available as soon as possible:
http://www.fuen.org/pages/english/e_5c_2002.html

PRESS RELEASE 2002-21

Regional Diversity of Minorities in the Vojvodina and the
Legal Aspects of Minority Protection in Yugoslavia, Croatia, Hungary and Romania
47th FUEN Congress on Nationalities from 08-12 May 2002 in Subotica/Yugoslavia

All minorities from the Vojvodina region had the opportunity to comment on their current situation as regards the regional diversity of minorities there. (see programme of Press Release Nr. 2002-10)

During a podium discussion chaired by Dr Florian BIEBER from the European Centre for Minority Issues cross-border cooperation was elucidated using the examples of Yugoslavia (Rasim LJAJIC), Hungary (Martin ISPANOVIC), Romania (Ovidiu GANT) and Croatia. The President of the FUEN Committee, the minority delegate of the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein Ms Renate SCHNACK, also took part in this discussion and took the opportunity to present the FUEN Committee which was formed in 2000.

f.l.t.r: Ispanovics, Bieber, Ulrich Bohner (Council of Europe), Schnack, Gant and below Simic

The status reports provided by member organisations again offered the opportunity to develop several ideas for projects which could be further discussed on the conclusion of the congress during a cultural programme (see photo below) organised by the minorities in the Vojvodina.

PRESS RELEASE 2002-20

FUEN-Advisory Board meeting in Subotica
47th FUEN Congress on Nationalities from 08-12 May 2002 in Subotica/Yugoslavia

The FUEN-Advisory Board formed in June 2000 in Komarno/Komaron (SK) also convened. The chairman of this FUEN-Advisory Board, commissioner for minority issues of the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein, Ms Renate SCHNACK, was able to welcome numerous representatives from parliaments and governments from countries in which FUEN member organisations live (see photo below).

For Ms SCHNACK the Congress offered a good opportunity to demonstrate cooperation between State institutions and an NGO like the FUEN, in order to demonstrate the benefit for the national minorities in Europe and to interest and inform the general public beyond the usual public.

The committee is an informal body for information and exchange that aims to accompany and support the work carried out by FUEN. By creating the committee, both FUEN as an NGO and the state representatives emphasise the will to maintain constructive cooperation, without which minority issues cannot be successfully approached or solved. The next meeting is due to convene at the XII Ethnic Group Congress in Carinthia in September this year.

PRESS RELEASE 2002-19

President of the German minority in Denmark re-elected
Hans Heinrich Hansen re-elected for three years

The president of the German minority in Denmark (Bundes deutscher Nordschleswiger - BdN)
and FUEN-Vice-President, Mr. Hans Heinrich Hansen (see photo), was re-elected
in the framework of the assembly of the so-called BdN on 23 April 2002 in Tinglev/Tingleff.
Mr. Hansen, who received 85,6 % of the votes, declared that the German minority needs a clear profile
externally and demoracy internally

As President, Mr. Hansen expects, to be able to exercise his guideline competence. He supports and
promotes the rationalisation of the minority, which will tighten up the organisation`s structure.
»The German minority must face up to the demands of the future«, said Hans Heinrich Hansen,
»this means that we must consides the small as well as the big. We the German minority in North
Schlesvig have a European perspective; we are involved in regional issues and at home in two cultures.

Jes Jepsen, a farmer, was elected Vice-President of the BdN. He received 97,6 % of the votes. Gerhard
Mammen was elected President of the SP, the political organisation of the German minority.
Barbara Meyer was elected President of the Cultural Commitee.

PRESS RELEASE 2002-18

Józef Szymeczek new President of the Polish minority in the Czech Republic

On Saturday 06 April 2002 the Polish Council in the Czech Republic held its first assembly since 1999. Among other topics the assembly also dealt with elections. The Polish council elected a new presidium, which consists of nine persons. Newly elected President is Józef SZYMECZEK. His Deputy is Mr. Henryk CIESAR.

PRESS RELEASE 2002-17

Klaus Johannis: new President of the German minority in Romania

In Sibiu/Hermannstadt on Saturday 06 April 2002 about 40 representatives of the Democratic
Council of Germans in Romania elected the present mayor of Sibiu, Mr. Klaus JOHANNIS (see photo)
new President of the Democratic Council of Germans in Romania.

The president was born in Sibiu in 1959. He studied physics at the Babes-Bolyai University in
Cluj and finished his examination in 1983. Klaus JOHANNIS was teacher, deputy headmaster
and leading headmaster before he was elected mayor from Sibiu. Just before his election as
new president of the Democratic Council of Germans, he was chairman
of the Germans in the district of Sibiu.

The former president, Mr. Wolfgang WITTSTOCK, who led this organisation from 1998-2002,
did not candidate for another period. As Member of Parliament he is still member of the of the
presidium of the Democratic Council of Germans in Romania.

PRESS RELEASE 2002-16

Jan Diedrichsen new president of YEN

The annual Easter meeting of the Youth of European Nationalities YEN took place in Grou,
Westfriesland.It was organised by the Frisian youth organisation »Frysk Ynternasjonaal Kontakt FYK«.
During the regular assembly the YEN elected Jan Diedrichsen (see photo) as new president.

The present presidium of YEN consists of the following members:
President: Jan Diedrichsen (German minority in Denmark)
Vicepresident: Angelina Nadolski (Danish minority in Germany),
Vizepräsident: Kristijan Karall (Croatian minority in Austria),
Secretary: Alice Ratyis (Hungarian minority in Romania) and
Treasurer: Frank de Boer (Westfrisian from the Netherlands),
Further information about YEN:
http://www.yeni.org

PRESS RELEASE 2002-15

Hans Ronald Jørgensen dead

The former Secretary General and former President of FUEN, Mr. Hans Ronald Jørgensen (see photo)
died on Saturday 23 March 2002 at the age of 87 years. Mr. Jørgensen has had been Secretary General
for the Danish minority in Germany for 26 years. Furthermore he was FUEN-president from 1973-1977
and FUEN Secretary General from 1982 - 1987. Jørgensen`s great engagement for the FUEN caused
FUEN to get its own Secretariat. He chosed Flensburg as centre for the Danish, German and
Frisian minorities. His bridge building function to the other minorities - the German minority in Denmark
in particular - caused a lot of criticism from his own minority.

He leaves his wife Ingeborg, son Ulrik (with Lisbeth, Peter, Tobias and Nina)
and daughter Anne (with Flemming and Benedicte)
FUEN mourns for a great personality to whom the FUEN is highly indebted.

PRESS RELEASE 2002-14

FUEN-Delegation in Ingushetia

A delegation of the Federal Union of European Nationalities FUEN visited
Ingushetia a couple of weeks ago. The delegation consisted of President Romedi Arquint
(see photo), und Vicepresident Hans Heinrich Hansen and were accompanied by Prof Kellner,
Free University of Berlin, representatives from the German Embassy in Moscow and
Ms Prof Tscherwonnaja from the Institute for Ethnology and Anthropology in the
framework of the Academy of Scientists in Russia

The smallest and youngest Republic Ingushetia numbers about 320 000
inhabitants and is situated near Chechenia, North Ossetia and Georgia (see
map below).

Further details and a longer report written by Romedi Arquint is available
at the FUEN-Secretariat.

PRESS RELEASE 2002-13

FUEN-Now Actuel only available on the internet
No postal service any longer as FUEN receives 11.000 internet visitors weekly

In the framework of the Conference of Implementation of the minority rights standards, which was held
together with the European Centre for Minority Issues (ECMI) and the European Academy Sankelmark
in Flensburg, there was a discussion on how to deal with the future of the FUEN bulletin »FUEN-Now
Actuel«.

The representatives of all present FUEN-member organisations agreed to stop the mail distribution
except those, who still want to have the printed editions. By the way there are up to 11.000 internet
users, who klick on to FUEN website weekly.

It is now possible to download all »FUEN-Now Actuel« editions as pdf-format (Acrobat-Reader)
http://www.fuen.org/pages/english/e_5b_2002.html

The FUEN asks all readers and recipients to take the opportunity to do the same.

PRESS RELEASE 2002-12

FUEN will improve their contacts with the EU

In the framework of a so-called FUEN-Strategy meeting - an extraordinary meeting for the FUEN -
Member organisations in Western Europe - about 20 representatives from 08 different states met on
16 February 2002 in Munich to discuss the infrastructure of the FUEN Head office and the
conceptional direction of the FUEN (see photo).

It was pointed out that the FUEN Head Office works on an extremely professional level especially bearing
in mind that the resources are totally limited. Nevertheless FUEN needs improvement
in the field of project management and conceptional work.

Romedi Arquint and Hans Heinrich Hansen (rigth) chaired the two workshops

Among other topics the financial situation of FUEN was dealt with. The financial situation of FUEN
is rather limited, it is absolutely necessary to receive more financial support in order to continue the
ongoing work on South-, East- and Middle Europe. Furthermore the Public Relation,
the contacts to FUEN`s members, the conceptional professionalisation the construction of a
projectmanagement, new projects and the cooperation between international institutes were discussed
lRegarding the last mentioned topic attention was drawn to the good cooperation between the Council of
Europe and the OSCE. In both organisations there are depts. in which the FUEN can make known its
FUEN must improve its contact with the EU!

At the same weekend there was a further meeting of the so-called FUEN advisory board (see press release
2002-05), whose participants were invited to a/m strategy meeting.

From left to right: R. Atz, DDr K. Anderwald, R. Schnack, R. Arquint,
Dr H. Knoblich, Dr J. Schöning and R. Donitza

It is planned to present the results at the 47th FUEN-Congress of Nationalities from 08-12 May
2002 in Subotica (see press release 2002-10).

PRESS RELEASE 2002-11

«Deep concern about the law governing languages in Georgia«
FUEN-Seminar from 04/05 March 2002 in Tiflis

The seminar in Tiflis took place basically as it was announced. However, the absence of some Georgian
politicians was regrettable, triggered by the national crisis after the suicide of the second head of the
state, Nugzar Sadshaia, the Chairman of the Georgian Security Council. The only parliamentarian
attending was consequently Gela Kwarazkhelia, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Integration.

In contrast, positive note was taken by the almost 80 participants (see photo) of the participation of ethnic
Georgians. The otherwise frequent character of an event on minority issues, that normally
only representatives of minorities take part, was revoked in this case.

The contributions by representatives from the OSCE, the Council of Europe and FUEV aroused
great interest—and could be seen by the fast disappearance of the information material provided.

The discussions, that progressed in a more and more lively manner, chiefly involved the following topics:

- The law governing minorities that still does not exist. Opinions differed here: some thought that the
minority rights were already guaranteed by the constitution and legislation; a special law governing
minorities could have a disintegrating effect. Others contradicted this vehemently and emphasised
the necessity of a special law.
- The law governing languages that is currently being drafted. While almost all present were in favour
of introducing Georgian as the national language, they called for reasonable time-frames, within which
this language is to be learned.
- Connected with this, the inadequate supply of learning materials. The Georgian text books for
non-Georgian speaking minorities were not sufficiently available and comprised no more than ABC
books and grammar exercises. These would not provide language knowledge for every-day use.
Whoever demands language knowledge should also provide the means to achieve this.
- The term minorities. Particularly larger groups with their own home country see themselves more
as nationalities.
- Prohibition of dual state citizenship. Many Georgian citizens emigrate for economic reasons.
Members of minorities often make use of the chance to become a state citizen of their host country.
As they then have to relinquish Georgian citizenship, they are unable to return.
- The open question of compensation for the suppression suffered under the nationalistic regime
of President Gamsakhurdiya in the early nineties.
- The still open problem of repatriation for the Meskhets deported in 1944. This progressed as an
extremely controversial discussion.

On the whole, the seminar was so positively assessed that all sides welcomed the idea of a
subsequent seminar.

The contributions to the event will be published in early May in the form of a brochure in English,
Georgian and Russian and will include welcoming words by President Shevardnadze and
Parliamentary President Nino Burdshanadze.

PRESS RELEASE 2002-10

Invitation
47th FUEN-Congress of Nationalities from 08 - 12 May 2002 in Subotica / Yugoslavia
Regional Diversity of Minorities and the Cross-border Cultural Cooperation

The President of the Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN), Mr Romedi Arquint,
takes great pleasure in inviting you to the 47th FUEN-Congress of Nationalities from 08 - 12 May 2002 in
Subotica / Yugoslavia

The Congress of Nationalities and the FUEN Assembly of Delegates will take place in the new and
old townhall of Subotica. Accommodation is availabe in Hotel PATRIA in Subotica.

Individual Guidelines

Simultaneous interpreting
Simultaneous interpreting will be arranged for English, French, German , Russian and Serbian.

Resolutions
Any resolutions (in English, French, German or Russian) should be submitted by 31st March 2002
at the latest to allow time for them to be seen by the FUEN Presiding Committee before the Congress.
Resolutions arriving later than this cannot be accepted!

Documents
All documents, e.g. status reports, copies of speeches and similar are to be submitted to the FUEN
Secretariat by 31st March 2002 by e-mail at info@fuen.org.

Accomodation and Registration
Interested parties should send their registrations direct to the FUEN Secretariat by 12th April 2002
at the latest.Please fill in the enclosed registration form (see below) and send it by email or fax it to the
FUEN Secretariat. Single rooms from 25,- Euro, double rooms from 36,- Euro

Support with costs
The travel expenses for all ORDINARY and ASSOCIATE FUEN member organisations from Central
and Eastern Europe (from former communist countries) can be paid by FUEN.
FUEN covers costs for travel, hotel (accommodation in double rooms) and meals
for two representatives per member organisation if the trip is made by one car.
FUEN covers costs for travel, hotel (accommodation in double rooms) and meals
for one representatives per member organisation if the trip is made by train and plane.

All other participants must pay their own costs!

All travel documents will be collected by Mr. Gary Funck. Attention: The settlement will be managed by
bank transfer!

The Fee for the Congress
amounts per person from Western Europe to 50,- Euro
amounts per person from Eastern Europe to 25,- Euro
The FUEN Secretariat asks for the Congress fee to be transferred in advance
Please give name, reason for payment and dates required.
Union Bank Flensburg • BLZ 215 201 00 • Nr. 00 120 84 • SWIFT Code UNBNDE 21

How to reach Subotica?
By car
Belgrade – Subotica 180 km
Budapest – Subotica 180 km

With plane und shuttle-Service:
The hosts recommend to go by plane direct to Belgrade. A shuttle service (bustransfer) will be provided.
Shuttle Service on Wednesday, 08 May 2002 at 17.00 h from Belgrade airport to Subotica.
Shuttle Service on Sunday, 12 May 2002 at 10.00 h from Subotica hotel to Belgrade airport.

The FUEN-Presidium and the staff of the FUEN-Secretariat look forward to seeing you in Subotica.

Registration form
FIRST NAME:
CITY:
STREET:
ASSOCIATION:
POSITION:
TELEPHONE:
FACSIMILE:
E-MAIL:
HOMEPAGE:
DATE OF ARRIVAL:
DATE OF DEPARTURE:
SINGLE ROOM:
DOUBLE ROOM:
SHUTTLE SERVICE

Participants may have to apply for visas to enter the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
Please check with the appropriate authorities in your country.
The hosts The Democratic Union of Croats in the Vojvodina offer to help (http://www.dshv.org)
Registration forms direct to the FUEN Secretariat by 12th April 2002 at the latest
.

Programme

47th FUEN-Congress of Nationalities
»Regional Diversity of Minorities and the
Cross-border Cultural Cooperation«

08.05.2002
Arrival of the participants

16.00 h Congress participants register at Hotel Patria

Dure Dakovica bb, YU – 24000 Subotica
19.00 h Dinner (Paricipants must pay their own costs)

09.05.2002
from 08.30 h Congress participants register

Old townhall Subotica

09.00 h FUEN Assembly of Delegates

Old townhall Subotica

Topic 01: Report by the President

Topic 02: Report by the Executive Secretary and Budget 2001

Topic 03: Auditor´s report

Topic 04: Budget 2002

Topic 05: Discussion (1.-4.)

Topic 06: Report by YEN (Youth of European Nationalities)

Topic 07: International Cooperation

Topic 08: Admission of new members / Upgrading of FUEN-members

Topic 09: Resolutions (until 31.03.2002)

Topic 10: Miscellaneous

12.00 h Lunch (Paricipants must pay their own costs)

14.00 h Welcome and opening of the congress:

• FUEN-President, Romedi Arquint

Welcoming words

• Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Jovo Komsic

• Council of Europe , CLRAE Sekretariat, Ulrich Bohner

• Autonomous Province of Vojvodina Dr Korhecz Tamas

• Municipality of Subotica , Mayor Ispánovics, István

• Demokratski Savez Hrvata u Vojvodini , Chairman Bela Tonkovic

Speeches on basic principles

15.00 h Dr Walter Kemp, Senior Advisor to the OSCE-High Commissioner
for national minorities

15.30 h Stability Pact for South-East Europe N.N. (requested)

18.00 h Dinner (Paricipants must pay their own costs)

10.05.2002
from 08.30 h Congress participants register

Old townhall Subotica

09.00 h Press conference

Old townhall Subotica

10.00 h 1. Regional Diversity of Minorities and the

Cross-border Cultural Cooperation

as examplified by the Vojvodina

Old townhall Subotica

• Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Jovo Komsic

• Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Dr Korhecz Tamas

The minorities of the Vojvodina:

• the Hungarians, Secsei Mihaly

• the Croats, Slaven Dulic

• the Germans, Rudolf Weiss

• the Gypsies, Stanko Dimitrov

• the Slovaks, Juraj Cervenak

• the Romanians, Jon Cizmas

• the Ruthenians, Julijan Tamas

chaired by

Jozsef Kasza, Vice primeminister of Serbia

Discussion

12.00 h Lunch (Paricipants must pay their own costs)

14.00 h 2. The Legal Aspects of Minority Protection in Yugoslavia, Croatia, Hungary and Romania and the Cross-border Cooperation

Introduction

Ulrich Bohner, Council of Europe , CLRAE Sekretariat

• Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Jovo Komsic

• Government of Croatia, Mila Simic

• Government of Hungary, Dr Gorombei Sara

• Government of Romania, Ovidiu Gant

President of the FUEN Advisory Board, Commissioner for Minority Issues in Schleswig-Holstein, Renate Schnack

chaired by the

European Centre for Minority Issues, Dr Florian Bieber

16.30 h Museum iof Subotica

18.00 h Dinner (Paricipants must pay their own costs)

20.00 h Cultural programme organised by the minorities of the Vojvodina

11.05. 2002
09.00 h Status reports of the FUEN-member organisations

New townhall Subotica

12.00 h Lunch (Paricipants must pay their own costs)

14.00 h Status reports of the FUEN-member organisations

16.15 h Travel to Palic

18.00 h Dinner in Palic (Picknick)

12.05. 2002
Departure after breakfast Subject to alteration

PRESS RELEASE 2002-09

Statement by the Germans in Hungary to the so-called »Benes-Dekrete«
adopted on their last session on 23 February 2002

The Presidium of the Germans in Hungary, the FUEN-Member organsation »Landesselbstverwaltung
der Ungarndeutschen« with its president Otto Heinek (see photo) held its last session on
23 February 2002.
Among other topics this presidium also dealt with the so-called »Benes-Dekrete«.

In a joint statement the presidium of the Germans in Hungary draws attention to followowing:
The Germans in Hungary regard anymeasures that support the annihilation, exclusion or expulsion of
national, linguistic or religious communities as inhuman and incompatible with international law and European culture.

As a result of the tragic historical experiences of the Hungarian-Germans, also the
»Landesselbstverwaltung« regards any statements which subsequently try to justify cruelties and
collective acts of revenge as unacceptable and it rejects any intention or efforts towards the limitation
or exclusion of the rigths of minotities.

We are convinced that in the 21st century there is no room for any kind of nationalism of the past.
Our joint European future can only be based on the respect of universal human rigths and the rights
of the minorities.

PRESS RELEASE 2002-08

Cynical calculation with time -
Central Council calls for speedy compensation for forced labour
Press release from the Central Council of the German Gypsies
20 February 2002

At today's meeting of the curators and presiding committee of the foundation for forced labourers 'Remembering, responsibility and future' in Berlin, the Chairman of the Central Council of the German Sinti and Romi, Romani Rose (see photo) appealed to the foundation to ensure faster payment of compensation amounting to 15,000 DM (7,670 euros) in each case to former slave workers. Today, Rose wrote to the Chairman of the foundation's Presiding Committee, Michael Jansen.

250 members of the Sinti and Romi who survived the holocaust protested with the Central Committee last December at the federal financial ministry responsible for supervising the law that, according to the German-American agreement, has to look into the complaints of victims.

The 'International UN Organization for Migration' (IOM), which the foundation has commissioned to be responsible for non-Jewish applicants from Germany, Western Europe and other countries, is said to have received 300,000 applications. Of these, according to IOM, only 6,300—of these 430 from Sinti and Romi—have been examined after one year and a first instalment of 50 per cent of the compensation amount has been paid out. If this rate continues, the applications will all have been processed in 20 years at the earliest. Only then, could the second instalment be paid out in line with the procedure defined by the curators. 'By this time, they will all have died and would never experience the second instalment,' Rose said to the press in Heidelberg today, and 'Such cynical calculation with time should not exist; the curatorium must change the procedure fundamentally'.

The Central Council submitted applications for compensation on behalf of 1,540 former slave workers belonging to the German Sinti and Romi one year ago. More than 40 of these aged people have died in the meantime, the Central Council complained. Rose now demanded active collaboration for the Central Council from the delegates among the curators of the foundation and belonging to factions in the German Bundestag, Wolfgang Bosbach (CDU), Volker Beck (Green Party), Max Stadler (FDP) and Ulla Jelpke (PDS).

PRESS RELEASE 2002-07

European Charter of Regional or Minority languages -
Point of view of the FUEN-Member organisations
regarding the Evaluation of the State reports

Within the framework of the present situation of the national minorities during the 46th Congress of
Nationalities from 23-27 May 2001 in Heerenveen, the FUEN received a proposal, to collect
evaluations of the FUEN – Member organisations relating to the State reports regarding the
European Charter of Regiona or Minority languages in order to create a summarized report of
FUEN which should be distributed to the responsible Committee of the Council of Europe.

The questions regarded the items 1) In which way were the member organisations involved in the
process of the state reports? 2) To what extent did the Language Charter establish the status quo?
3) Comments, wishes regarding further work with the Charter.

A summarized report of those answers is available at the FUEN-Secretariat

PRESS RELEASE 2002-06

Hermann Heil received Award

Hermann Heil, the Executive Secretary of the Germans in Denmark »Bundes deutscher
Nordschleswiger (BdN) for a long period and auditor of the FUEN, received the
»Bundesverdienstkreuz« of the Federal Republic of Germany awarded by President Johannes Rau.
It was presented by Dr. Cornelie Sonntag-Wolgast, State Secretary in the German Ministry for Internal Affairs on Friday 15 February 2002.

Hermann Heil (see photo) received his award on account of his voluntary over activities for a long period e.g. as Chairman of the German Minorities workshop in the FUEN and as a longstanding member of the Council of the District Sønderjylland in Denmark.

FUEN congratulates him

Further details
http://www.nordschleswig.dk

PRESS RELEASE 2002-05

FUEN-Strategy meeting in Munich

FUEN-Strategy meeting in Munich

The FUEN is organising a socalled FUEN-Strategy meeting for its Western European member organisations on 16 February 2002 in Munich. The aims of this meeting are to improve the cooperation between FUEN and its Western European member organisations, to update FUEN`s profile and to improve FUEN`s infra structure. FUEN expects 25 participants from 9 different states.

FUEN-Advisory Board meeting in Munich

Just one day before a/m meeting the advisory board set up in June 2000 in Komarno, Slovakia will hold its next session on 16 February 2002 in in Munich. The last session of this kind took place from 09 - 11 November 2001 in Bozen / Bolzano on invitation of the Automous Region Trentino South Tyrol.
The new chairman of this FUEN-Advisory Board, the Commissioner for Minority issues in Schleswig-Holstein, Ms Renate SCHNACK (see photo) will expect following representatives:

Dr. Karl ANDERWALD (Deputy Director in Charintia), Roland ATZ
(Vicepresident of the Automous Region Trentino South Tyrol), Richard DONITZA
(Vicepresident of the Sejmik Opole), Dr. Herbert KNOBLICH (State President of Brandenburg), Dr. Jürgen SCHÖNING (Director of the Parliament in Schleswig-Holstein)
and the FUEN will be represented by: Romedi ARQUINT
(President) and Frank NICKELSEN (Executive Secretary)

Background to the FUEN Advisory Board:

Idea:
Representatives of the political institutions (governments and parliaments) of countries in which FUEN member organisations live and which morally and financially support and foster the activities of FUEN will form an independent, informal FUEN Advisory Board. In this way FUEN expresses that the demands of the national minorities essentially depend on constructive cooperation between the minorities and the political institutions of the regions and countries. With this, it also underscores a prime characteristic of a mature democracy, in which organisations of civil society and political institutions work together in partnership.

Purpose:
Information exchange; coordination of activities to support national minorities; provision of advice by FUEN; support and development of its own and joint initiatives in Central and Eastern Europe; support and development of its own and joint initiatives in European and international institutions (Council of Europe, EU, OSCE; UN, etc.) and FUEN financial support.

PRESS RELEASE 2002-04

To be Cornish is »not guilty«

Sometimes a national minority or ethnic group must draw attention to their sitiuation in a humorous way. A trial in Truro / Cornwall gives a very specific example:
On 18 January 2002 three representatives of the Cornish Stannary Parliament were declared »not guilty« of creating a conspriracy against the British Government.

What had happened?
The three Cornish representatives Rodney NUTE, Hugh ROWE and Dr. Nigel HICKS (photo from left Hicks and Nute) had stolen information signs in November 2000. The action - which was made public several times - should draw the public`s attention to the fact that the Cornish minority in Great Britain feels dissatisfied with its present situation. In the course of time the original charge was changed to
conspiracy. The three Cornish men were threatened 10 years imprisonment - just for stolen information signs. By the way the three men only wanted to draw attention to their dissatisfaction.

Finally the Public Prosecutive`s Office declared the Cornish representatives for »not guilty«

Just for information: Scotland has its own Parliament, Wales received a certain Autonomy but the Celtic group in Cornwall still waits to be accepted as a national minority, especially on account to the fact that Great Britain has signed and ratified the Framework Convention for the Protection for National Minorities.
On account of London`s negative attitude, the Cornish Stannary Parliament corresponds with the EU and the Council of Europe to receive more acceptance as a region and ethnic group.

A couple of months ago the FUEN as the largest umbrella organisation for national minorities and ethnic groups was approached by the Cornish Stannary Parliament to be accepted as FUEN-Member. The application written by the Cornish Stannary Parliament will be among other topics dealt with at the FUEN Assembly during the 47 Congress of Nationalities on 09 May 2002.

Further information
http://www.cornish-stannary-parliament.abelgratis.com
http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/EN/searchsig.asp?NT=157&CM=1&DF=
http://www.minority2000.net/Gr-75/t70gb.htm

PRESS RELEASE 2002-03

IV Congress of Germans in Kazakhstan - Alexander Dederer re-elected

The IV Congress of Germans took place on 7 and 8 December 2001 in Almaty/Kazakhstan. The association of social unions of the Germans in Kazakhstan has represented issues concerning all the Germans in Kazakhstan for many years now. The congress was a kind of inventory: the work performed was estimated and evaluated. Participants of all ages took part in discussing the results. A particularly important aim was to discuss in detail the search for perspectives for self-organisation of the Germans in the near future. A key role is played by the democratic will and social issues expressed during the congress. Various ethnic groups from Kazakhstan who were also invited additionally stated that they had witnessed an impressive lesson in democracy. Impressive speeches were held by the ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr Körting, the Ministerial Director of the BMI (Ministry of Internal Affairs), OSCE ambassador, Mr Haupt, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr Tokajew, the representative of the Republic of Tatarstan/head of the Tatar ethnic group, Prof. Karimow, Head of the Slavonic movement, Mr Bunakow and the Chairman of the German minority in Kyrgyzstan, Mr Valeri Dill.

Competition for the position of the chairman was very keen. The congress drew the attention of the administration of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the government, the UN committee concerned with the problems of the refugees and peoples deported at an earlier date, many NGOs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the mass media. Former chairman, Dipl. Ing. Alexander DEDERER (see photo) was re-elected for a further term of office. He enjoys the utmost confidence of the delegates at the conference and was again called upon to take on the great responsibility of representing the German minority in Kazakhstan in practically all areas of life. This also includes cooperation of the district with compatriots in Germany and in the CIS countries.

A manuscript of the speech by Mr Dederer (German) to the delegates can be obtained from the FUEN Secretariat.

PRESS RELEASE 2002-02

FUEN Seminar in Georgia

The FUEN is organising a minority seminar on 04 / 05. March 2002. The topic will be
GEORGIA - A STATE WITH SEVERAL NATIONALITIES. The event is a cooperation between the FUEN-Member Organisation »Assoziation der Deutschen in Georgien«, the Organisation Public Movement Multinational Georgia and the Office for Inter Ethnic Relations of the President of Georgia.

Participants will be: The national minorities in Georgia, the Georgian government, representatives of the Georgian Parliament. Furthermore representatives of the Council of Europe and the OSCE High Commissioner for National Minorities will also attend

The FUEN will be represented by its president Romedi ARQUINT, Vicepresident Hans Heinrich HANSEN and project manager Dr Martin SCHEUERMANN.

The aims of the seminar are:

1. To point out to and to discuss with the participants from Georgia how minorities protection works (or should work) in Europe.

2. To point out to the western participants how minorities protection works in Georgia.

3. To provide the opportunity of enhancing minorities protection and to obtain a mutual better understanding of the diverse ethnic groups in Georgia.

Place of the seminar: Tblissi University
Languages: Englisch, Russian and Georgian (simoultanous translation).

A booklet containing speeches and discussions will be published.

Programme

GEORGIA - A STATE WITH SEVERAL NATIONALITIES

1st. day:
04. March 2002
Opening with welcoming speeches including one by the President of Georgia, Edward SCHEWARDNADSE (requested) and the president of the Georgian Parliament, Nino BURDSCHANDASE.

I. The present situation of the minority protection in Europe

Representatives:
Dr Tim POTIER, LLB (Hons), LLM, PhD recommended by the
COUNCIL of EUROPE,
OSCE Office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities
John PACKER, Director, and Dzenana HADZIOMEROVICH, Legal Adviser,
FUEN (Hans Heinrich HANSEN / Dr Martin SCHEUERMANN),
Discussion

II. GEORGIA - A STATE WITH SEVERAL NATIONALITIES
Presentation of the national minorities in Georgia

Azerbaidschanians (Suleiman Suleimanov)
Armenians (Henrikh Muradian)
Kurds (Kyarim Ankhosi)
Jesidians (Rostom Atahev)
Greeks (Kiriak Iordanidis)
Germans (Harry Augst)
Russians (Boris Bogomulov)
Ukrainians (Michael Boris)
Ossetians (Tengiz Gagloev)
Jews (Guram Batiashvili)
Assyrians (David Asdamov)
Mesketians. (Marat Baratashvili)
Latvians (Regina Jacobidze)
Lithuanians (Iren Jikia)
Slavonic community (Nelli Rodionova)

15 Presentations including discussion of 25 Minuten

Cultural programme

2nd. day:
05. March 2002
Presentation of the national minorities in Georgia (see above)

Georgia and the protection and support of the ethnic plurality

Representative of the Georgian Government Prof. Alexi GERASIMOV
Representative of the Georgian Parliament
Dr Tim POTIER, LLB (Hons), LLM, PhD
recommended by the Council of Europe,
Representative of the OSCE
Public Movement Multinational Georgia (Arnold STEPANIAN)
Representative of the FUEN (Romedi ARQUINT)

Discussion

End of the Conference

PRESS RELEASE 2002-01

Irene Kunc new President of the German minority in the Czech Republic

During its annual session the German minority in the Czech Republic elected a new presidium last autumn. Since October 2001 new president of the of the so-called »Landesversammlung der Deutschen in Böhmen, Mähren und Schlesien« is Ms Irene KUNC. Of 35 possible votes 19 were for Ms KUNC and 16 for the former president, Mr Hans KORBEL. Ms KUNC will be president for the period 2001-2004.

Irene KUNC (see photo) was born on 01. February 1948 in Fredek – Místek.. She attended schools in Moravská Trebová, in Ústí and Orlicíand left school in 1967. From 1967-1995 she worked as a technican for the Hedva-company in Moravská Trebová. From 1990 she began to engage herself more
in the Regional group of the Germans in Schönhengstgau. She started as specialist for cultural affairs, and became its president in 1995. She became Executive Secretary of the »Begegnugszentrum Walther Hensel« in Moravská Trebová. From 1979 she worked with children in several functions, e.g. the regional ramblers group in the children`s holiday camp, im Kinderferienlager or as Tutor in Language courses. It is the second time that Ms KUNC was elected to the presidium.

The other members of the new presidium are: Martin Dzingel, Josef Hluchnik, Mojmír Koláv Mojmír, Ing. Hans Korbel, Peter Krohe, Alan Kubica, Irena Kuncová, Ema Laubrová, Vera Straková, Richard Vulko, Erika Vosáhlová