Martonyi holds talks in Transcarpathia

(MTI) – Hungarian Foreign Minister Janos Martonyi and chairman of Transcarpathia (Kárpátalja) county assembly Ivan Baloga discussed the situation of the ethnic Hungarian minority and cooperation between Hungary and Transcarpathia. Martonyi and Berehove (Beregszasz) Mayor Zoltan Babjak held talks on the Ukrainian political crisis and the situation of Transcarpathia’s ethnic Hungarian community on Saturday. 

Martonyi said he supported the plan to decentralise Ukraine’s public administration. He also shared Baloga’s view that once the new Ukrainian government has been formed, a fresh impetus should be given to trans-boundary cooperation, including the opening of new border-crossing points.

Baloga said he disagreed with the Ukrainian Parliament’s decision to repeal the language law. He asked Martonyi that Hungary should help Transcarpathia open a representation office in Brussels.

Martonyi promised to make every possible effort to this effect and pave the way for visa liberalisation favouring Ukrainian citizens.

Visiting Beregszász (Berehove), Martonyi called on Transylvania’s ethnic Hungarians to restore a level of unity that enables the community to adopt a uniform position on policies.

Martonyi holds talks with Berehove mayor and the Mayor Babjak informed the minister about the situation of Berehove, the cultural and educational centre of the Hungarian community. He also spoke about a recent incident when members of the nationalist and extremist Right Sector disturbed the local council’s session. The mayor informed Martonyi about the economic difficulties faced by the town.

The minister expressed support for the mayor and pledged assistance to Berehove.

Photo: MTI

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