Bilateral relations between Slovakia and Hungary were the main topic of a meeting between Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and his Hungarian counterpart Gordon Bajnai that took place on Thursday, September 10, in Szécsény, Hungary, near the Slovak border, the TASR newswire wrote.
The meeting was initiated by Bajnai on August 28 with the aim to decrease tension between the two countries. The meeting ended with both PMs adopting a joint 11-point proclamation that could lead to progress in solving mutual relations. The Slovak PM said that the meeting was useful and successful, and invited Bajnai to visit Slovakia.
According to Bajnai, the negotiations opened possibilities that will enable solutions to disputed issues and catching up with everything that these issues slowed down.
Fico said he is unhappy with the permanent campaign in Hungary about alleged oppression of the Hungarian minority in Slovakia. He also noted that many ethnic Hungarians in Slovakia haven't grasped the nature of the Slovak language law. At the same time, Fico spoke highly of the steps that should lead to motorway connections between Slovakia and Hungary, a joint history textbook that is currently being drawn up, and joint projects pertaining to energy.
Around 30 protesters, including uniformed members of the outlawed Hungarian Guard and sympathisers of the far-right Jobbik party gathered near the scene of the meeting, which was encircled by police barricades.
The Hungarian police deployed special forces in the streets, while officers were checking all cars entering the town. TASR learned that the police prevented a Jobbik vice-chair from entering Szécsény.TASR
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
