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Fico: Need for Constructive Approach in Slovak-Hungarian Relations
Wednesday 30 December 2009 Zoom in | Print page
Bratislava, December 30 (TASR) - Slovak Premier Robert Fico speaking about developments in strained Slovak-Hungarian relations stressed the need for officials on both sides to address potential issues constructively in order to prevent a further escalation of tension.
Fico sounded a warning note vis-a-vis the right-wing Fidesz party in Hungary, which according to him bases its hopes for the parliamentary election set for the spring of 2010 on clear nationalism, attacks against Slovakia, and the idea of a Greater Hungary, with its leader Viktor Orban certain to seek to declare himself as the premier of all Hungarians around the world.
Such topics, stated Fico, will step up tensions as Slovakia will be very close to its own parliamentary elections in June. Slovak-Hungarian relations will be a dominant theme in Slovakia as well. "Political parties will no longer mince words and will use this as something they view as a outstanding topic for the elections because it's a topic that will always stir up Slovakia," he said.
The premier praised the stance of his current Hungarian counterpart Gordon Bajnai, whom he met at the height of tension between the two countries in Szecseny, Hungary, in September. In his opinion, this led to a significant calming of the situation. The next meeting between the premiers could take place as part of a session of the Visegrad Four group leaders as Hungary is the presiding country at the moment and has called a meeting to deal with energy in the Hungarian town of Visegrad.
Fico expressed his readiness to talk to any Hungarian premier emerging from the next elections about any theme that would advance Slovak-Hungarian relations.
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