Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), Chair of the Congressional Hungarian Caucus, today came together with Prime Minister Gordon Bajnai of Hungary for a breakfast meeting in the United States Capitol.  Congressman Kucinich organized the meeting to welcome the Prime Minister and to discuss issues of concern to the United States and Hungary.

One of the topics of conversation was St. Emeric Church in Cleveland, Ohio.  St. Emeric is large Roman Catholic Church that has been serving the Hungarian Community in Cleveland since 1904.  In March of this year, the Diocese of Cleveland decided to close the church.  The parish has appealed the decision and is awaiting a response from the Vatican.  Kucinich and the Prime Minister also discussed economic issues, energy, security and other issues of concern to Hungary and the United States.

“As Chairman of the Congressional Caucus and a resident of Cleveland, Ohio I understand the great contributions of Hungarians and Hungarian Americans to our community.  I will continue to work with the Prime Minister to ensure that the cultural heritage of Hungarian Americans is preserved and that our relationship remains strong,” said Kucinich.

Also attending the meeting was Ambassador Bela Szombati, State Secretary for Foreign and Security Policy, Mr. David Koranyi, former Ambassador Andras Simonyi, Congressmen Donald A. Manzullo (R-IL) and Tom Cole (R-OK) and Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH).

On November 4, Congressman Kucinich received the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary for his leadership in fostering Hungarian-American relations.  Kucinich was nominated by the Prime Minister and the prestigious award was granted by the President of Hungary the Republic of Hungary, Dr. László Sólyo. 

Photos of today’s meeting are available HERE.

Photos of the award ceremony are available HERE.

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