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Belousovova: Hungary Should Be Sued over Language Fund
Sunday 31 January 2010 Zoom in | Print page
Bratislava, January 31 (TASR) - Coalition Slovak National Party (SNS) vice-chair Anna Belousovova is convinced that Hungary should be sued, pursuant to an international lawsuit.
Belousovova said this on the Slovak Television (STV) weekly political chat show 'O 5 minut 12' (5 Minutes to 12) in reference to the establishment of a special language fund by the Hungarian Government to cover possible fines for Hungarian-speaking minorities in Slovakia in the wake of the much-discussed State Language Act that has been effective in Slovakia since September 2009, and - among other things - has introduced fines concerning (non)use of the Slovak language in official contact.
The argument for the lawsuit, according to Belousovova, is the fact that Hungary, by raising such a fund, is actually inducing Slovak citizens (with Hungarian as their native language) to civil disobedience. "Slovak Ministry of Culture officials clearly state that this represents interference into our internal matters. However, I think it's something even worse. A foreign country urges citizens of another to disrespect the laws in the state they live in," she underlined.
"Today, it's about the state language. What's it going to be tomorrow?" asked Belousovova. At the same time, she said she was calling on the Slovak Parliament to task the Government with bringing legal action against Hungary before the International Court of Justice in the Hague.
Also on the show, Pavol Abrhan of opposition Christian Democrats (KDH) agreed that the move (establishment of the language fund) by Hungary is "incorrect and inappropriate". On the other hand, he does not think it's necessary to call on Parliament to oblige the Government to file a lawsuit. "If the Coalition thus decides, what's keeping you from doing it? The Cabinet doesn't have to wait for a parliamentary resolution," he said.
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