Struggle for Freedom in Central Europe, Iran, the World: a July 4th Message at Bratislava Reception
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Chargé d’Affairs Keith Eddins on July 2nd addressed an audience of
Embassy guests at Bratislava’s AuCafe to celebrate American
Independence Day. In his speech, Mr. Eddins commended struggles for
freedom throughout the world, both historic and present. “In our
Declaration, Thomas Jefferson set forth the radical notion that
governments derive their powers from the governed,” said Mr. Eddins.
The same principle was true for those who struggled for democracy in
Central Europe twenty years ago, and for those who protest on the
streets of Iran today, he said. “Some cynics have suggested that
President Obama is naive in his efforts to engage Moslems, to push for
Middle East peace, to pursue a dialogue with Iran or Cuba. And
certainly there have been setbacks. We have seen an assault on
democracy in Tehran. But if those who believed in individual freedom,
in human rights, and in the radical notion that governments derive
their power from the consent of the people had listened to the cynics
-- where would Central Europe be today?,” he asked. The event was
organized by the Embassy for Slovak guests and partners.
Independence Day Remarks by Chargé d’Affairs Keith Eddins
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