AFoCR Launches Visa Waiver Issue Education Campaign - A Message from Mike Rokos, President

Dear Friend of the Czech Republic:
Last spring, I took part in an event that was quite moving for me, as one who well remembers the days of the Cold War and an Iron Curtain separating the U.S. from the Czech people. The Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic, Cyril Svoboda, was in Washington, DC on an official visit to meet with Condoleezza Rice and others. One of his stops was at the headquarters of the Voice of America near the Capitol. Minister Svoboda presented to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty a check from the Czech government for over $1.2 million for the construction of new radio facilities outside of Prague. What an amazing gesture from an American ally that would have been unthinkable before 1989.

Since 1989 and the fall of the Iron Curtain, the Czech Republic has made great progress in becoming, once again, a free, democratic society where the rule of law prevails. The Czech Republic has one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The Czech Republic is our ally, being part of NATO, and it is a part of the European Union, as well as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Czech citizens enjoy the full spectrum of democratic freedoms with the same privileges and responsibilities that U.S. citizens have.

Having said that, I need to make certain that you know there is also a serious problem in the relations between the U.S. and the Czech Republic. Americans traveling to the Czech Republic do not need a visa and are welcome to enter the Czech lands. The Czech Republic is not included in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Czechs wishing to come to the U.S. still need to apply for a visa. This is a costly, lengthy, and often humiliating procedure that creates a sense for Czechs and others that we are not truly partners, and the support given to the U.S. by the Czech Republic and other allies is not taken seriously by the U.S.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) was established in 1986 with the objective of promoting better relations with U.S. allies, eliminating unnecessary barriers to travel, and stimulating the tourism industry and people-to-people contacts. Currently, 27 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, including many of the European Union countries. However, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, and Malta are not included in the program.

One of the tasks of the American Friends of the Czech Republic is to educate and inform Americans on issues that affect relations between the U.S. and the Czech Republic. The visa issue is the most significant concern that exists today. The pages that follow will familiarize you with the VWP, what Congress is doing to address its inconsistencies, and how you can help.

In 1999, we at AFoCR undertook a similar program of education that resulted in NATO expansion for the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland. This expansion proved beneficial in light of the occurences of September 11th. The Czech people have stood with us in the war against terrorism ever since. Hopefully, we can stand in full support of this issue with the Czech people at this time.

I ask that you share this letter and information with your family and friends.

Michael G. Rokos, President

For additional information please contact:
Peter Rafaeli, Vice-President
Tel: 215-646-7777 or Email: philadelphia@honorary.mzv.cz