According to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó, the critical remarks made by French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius in relation to Hungary’s temporary border security fence are astonishing and shocking, and therefore the Ministry has summoned the French chargé d'affaires in Budapest.

In an interview with MTI on Sunday, the Minister pointed out that some people still seem to be unable to understand the incredible and dramatically intense immigration pressure being placed on Hungary via the Western Balkan route.

Mr. Szijjártó said that unless the Government takes substantive steps by the end of the year the situation could become even more dramatic, because past figures show that fifty per cent of annual migration into Hungary occurs from the month of October onwards.

According to Mr. Szijjártó, good Europeans observe Europe’s rules. Schengen rules are among the most important of these, and they clearly state the obligation of every Member State: members must protect their own borders and the external borders of the European Union.

The Minister said that the current approach and lack of strategy evident in the EU’s practice on migration could have a dramatic impact on the continent. He added that “We should focus on a common solution for Europe, instead of the shocking and groundless labelling of each other’s actions”. A joint solution should be sought on out how to bring an end to the immigration pressure burdening Europe, and within it Hungary.

Mr. Szijjártó declared that the Hungarian diplomatic corps cannot afford to ignore the recent statement, and so the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has summoned the French chargé d'affaires in order to officially inform her of the Hungarian government's position. Mr. Szijjártó is preparing to speak personally with his French counterpart at the upcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade/MTI)