Statement by the Hungarian Ambassador

On the Passing of Congressman Tom Lantos

We are deeply saddened by the news of Congressman Tom Lantos’ passing this morning. I lost a good friend. My wife Andrea and the entire staff of the Hungarian Embassy share in this sorrow.

In Hungary, Congressman Lantos was regarded as one of the greatest friends and supporters of the Hungarian people abroad.

Congressman Lantos fought in the resistance movement against the Nazi German occupation of Hungary in 1944. Three years later, he left a Soviet-occupied Hungary where the Communist influence was enormous and a Communist takeover was imminent. He came to the leader of the free world, the United States of America.

Congressman Lantos opposed dictatorships and authoritarian rule, irrespective of whether led by left or right-wing extremists. He fought all his life for freedom and democracy.

Tom Lantos was known to be the most energetic Congressman who used his dynamism and strength relentlessly to serve everyone’s right to liberty and democracy, regardless of their nationality, race, religion, age or gender. Throughout the past twenty-seven years serving in the House of Representatives, Tom Lantos spoke out on behalf of oppressed nations and groups in Europe, Asia, Africa and elsewhere. He was a brave supporter of Hungarian minorities living in neighboring countries.

In his capacity as U.S. Congressman, he also helped bring the United States and Hungary closer to one another. The fact that our nations are close allies and friends today owes a great deal to Tom Lantos.

The Hungarian people will forever be grateful for all Congressman Lantos has done for us.

We will never forget you. We will miss you, Tom.

Ferenc Somogyi

Ambassador of Hungary to the United States

Ambassador Somogyi is available for interviews. Please contact the Embassy’s Press Attaché, Zoltán Fehér, at (202) 364-9506 or zfeher@kum.hu