COF approaches Obama over US criticism of Hungary

Budapest, September 5 (MTI) – The pro-government Civil Unity Forum (COF) has written an open letter to US President Barack Obama over critical remarks “by the US government and from the American public” in connectin with Hungary, COF founder Laszlo Csizmadia told a press conference today.

The “criticism and attacks voiced directly or reported in the press mostly arise from misunderstading or deliberate misinterpretation of conditions in Hungary” and will “seriously and negatively” impact ties between the two countries, Csizmadia quoted the letter as saying.

Signatories to the letter said they found it “especially worrying” that open criticism voiced by US diplomats concerning Hungary’s politics “becomes a part of Hungary’s domestic affairs and works to influence (those affairs)”, and voiced hope that that approach could be changed. A different attitude would be greatly needed “in light of the current developments in Ukraine or the horrendous terrorist acts in the Middle East,” they wrote.

In its letter COF assured the US that Hungary does not wish to move away from its western allies, and will continue in its commitment to build freedom and democracy.

“It is our conviction that a personal meeting between the leaders of our countries would be the best way to reinforce mutual trust and commitment,” the letter concluded.

COF is expected to hand over the letter to US embassy charge d’affaires Andre Goodfriend after the press conference.

Photo: MTI – Laszlo Beliczay

Source: http://mtva.hu/hu/hungary-matters