1. The DCHV greeted the Balladur proposal, specially its first formulation With considerable hope end optimism. The above proposal is a historic initiative, that may serve as a benchmark for resolving crucial problems in ethnically diverse countries in this part of Europe.The proposed Conference is the most suitable forum for working out equitable solutions for the persisting ethnic strife on the territories of former Yugoslavia. The adopted solutions based On the Balladur Proposal will eventually lead to a new order in Europe. International borders will be still in place, but the nations would not be divided by irreconcilable differences due to the unresolved minority questions.

The DCHV is convinced that an equitable and just international accord based on the Balladur Proposal would also mitigate the consequences of the Treaty of Trianon, providing that the Conference agrees to adopt an equitable and a more just solution of the minority questions in the region.

Taking into account the predicament of the Hungarians in Voivodina, as well as the aspirations of the Hungarian minorities living in other countries, the proposed Pact on Stability in Europe would be acceptable only if it wound incorporate autonomy for the indigenous Hungarian minorities, including the acceptance of the concept of autonomy of Hungarians of Voivodina in three distinct public domains, as it was formulated in the program of the DCHV. History has demonstrated - at least in Europe, that autonomy is the only viable means of self preservation and retaining the national identities of minorities.

It is for the above reasons that the DCHV is appealing to the government of France to make it possible that the completely open and unresolved question of Hungarians in Voivodina be part of the agenda an the upcoming international conference to be held in accord with the Balladur proposal.

It is of utmost importance that the ethnic minority organizations be included in the decision making process. This would be beneficial for all parties concerned, since it is the national minorities who can articulate their own problems best. The representatives of the DCHV would be able to contribute a great deal to the process of formulating workable and lasting solutions, Furthermore, the participation of the affected minorities would set a pattern for future negotiations in finding due solutions based on the emerging principles associated with a new and democratic Europe, The increased role of the minority representatives would enhance the level of cooperation, and in turn, this would increase the of interaction between the interested parties, leading to mutual trust between the negotiating parties.

The DCHV considers the involvement of mediators extremely valuable, since it is unlikely that we may achieve much from direct negotiations with the Serb authorities. It is essential that the intermediaries of France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, or Finland aid us in the due process of discussions, and attaining autonomy for Hungarians in Voivodina.

2. Why does the DCHV strive that the completely open and unresolved questions of Hungarians in Voivodina become part of the Pact on Stability in Europe?

Although the participation of Serbia in the negotiation has been foreseen only in the first version of the document - and only under certain conditions, there are several reasons that justify our own participation at the upcoming conference.

We are not being distrustful. Reassurances have been made by several high ranking diplomats that the participants of the London Peace Conference do not intent to apply double standards against any of the ethnic groups living on the territory of former Yugoslavia. We ere witnessing the same impartiality through the steps taken by the American diplomacy. It is therefore safe to assume that the Peace Conference will treat the question of the indigenous Hungarian population of Voivodina with fairness and justice as well.

3.We appeal to the Government of France to include us in the preparatory talks on the Pact on Stability in Europe. One of the reasons for our proposed participation is our resolve to find a solution to our compelling problems. The second reason is directly linked to the preparations for the Conference itself. If the completely open and unresolved question of Hungarians in Voivodina would be discussed with our participation at an international conference that is supported by the European Union, The United States of America, and the Russian Federation, there would be a greater Likelihood for finding a more favourable solution to our problems. We also believe that at the above conference a solution to our problem would be found much sooner, and time is a vital constituent in this matter.

Why are the Hungarians of Voivodina pressed for time?

Because, if the present accelerated rate of mass migration of Hungarians from Voivodina continues, our indigenous population will soon lose its capacity to sustain itself and we will simply cease to exist. On the other hand Hungary would find it increasingly difficult, amidst the added tension, to cope with the onslaught of the additional wave of refugees and immigrants.

Why are we anticipating a qualitatively better solution?

The Hungarians of Voivodina do not use violent means for attaining their political goals. Unlike others, the Hungarians of Voivodina are unarmed. Although the

Hungarians lived in Serbia and formerly in Yugoslavia for nearly eighty years, their national consciousness is Hungarian and they regard themselves as an integral part of the Hungarian nation. Since the Hungarians in Voivodina are exposed to continuous pressure by the Serb government, they regard the attainment of their proposed autonomy as an essential condition for the preservation of their national identity, The fears of Hungarians in Voivodina are well founded and indeed very real. Since 1990, the Serb government has enacted, revised, or revoked 18 legislative bills aimed at curtailing minority rights.

These the specific reasons why the Hungarians of Voivodina have no choice, but to seek international support far establishing a legal framework for the preservation of their national identity.

The Council of DCHV