Hungarian House Speaker, Czech Senate president discuss migrant crisis

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Kover said the help provided by the Czech Republic to Hungary in managing the migrant crisis was a “symbol of solidarity” and a message to the European Union that the Visegrad Four (V4) countries “are serious about treating one another as equal partners”.

Kover said V4 countries had special interests and values that they want to protect in the EU.

“We truly are democrats, since we try to implement the will of our voters in politics,” Kover said.

The speaker said the meeting also touched on bilateral economic ties, specifically potential investments in transport and energy infrastructure. He said relations between the two countries’ parliaments are trouble-free, adding that the current challenges have encouraged the two legislative bodies to strengthen their ties.

Stech said the Hungarian government, with the support of parliament, was forced to take measures that other Schengen zone countries were unable or unwilling to take. Stech said that although the EU has rules in place, when it is time to make decisions, “things don’t really work out”. He said the world powers are incapable of solving the crises in the Middle East and that Europe must therefore be ready to see even more people currently living in refugee camps in the region set off for the continent. The senate president added, however, that Europe cannot take in everyone in need of help.

Stech said EU member states cannot give up their right to freely decide how to manage the migrant crisis, adding that V4 countries “fully support” Hungary’s stance on the crisis. Stech said his meeting with Kover made it clear that Hungary and the Czech Republic have the exact same views on the crisis.

Stech said that during his two-day visit to Hungary, he met with President Janos Ader, Justice Minister Laszlo Trocsanyi and Interior Minister Sandor Pinter.

Photo: MTI

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