|  The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) will operate a new regional representational office in Budapest after the signing of the final protocol. The so-called Zone Office, which is responsible for coverage of Europe and Central Asia, is the third international institution to have set up in the Hungarian capital - after the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) sub-regional office and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) global service centre.
On the occasion that Foreign Minister Kinga Göncz signed the protocol, she pointed out that the final outcome had been the result of a long process and significant lobbying on the part of Hungary. The decision in favour of Budapest was based on the considerations that the centre will be relatively close to the poverty belt and there are good logistical bases serving international organisations. Other arguments favouring Hungary include the fact that the country is increasing its activity in international development assistance. The minister drew particular attention to Hungary’s experiences of making the transition to democracy and how these experiences could prove useful in the transformation of other states’ societies. The Zone Office will work closely together with the Hungarian Red Cross and the Hungarian government, she added. In reply, Markku Niskala, the Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said the IFRC was pleased that from now on Budapest would be home to the organisation’s biggest office - containing 52 member organisations, particularly since there was significant demand for the office’s continual aid and services in the expanded region. At the same time, the geographical proximity was a significant consideration, he added. He said that highly qualified Hungarian experts would guarantee the high level of expertise. He added that the activities of the representation offered important possibilities as far as the Hungarian Red Cross is concerned, too. (April 21, 2008) |