Embassy Events

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