Péter Szijjártó confirmed that the Hungarian involvement in the international action against the Islamic State is expected to cost HUF 20 billion in the first year, adding that they are negotiating with the United States about providing equipment worth roughly HUF 7 billion.
The Minister said that according to the request made by the United States, 100 Hungarian soldiers shall fulfil security tasks at the allied training centre by Erbil, Northern Iraq, with 50 soldiers in reserve. Securing "the movement of the trainers" would also be the task of the Hungarian soldiers there, he noted.
Péter Szijjártó stated that according to the declaration of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, the Armed Forces of Hungary are ready to and capable of performing the task.
According to him, the Hungarian involvement would cost HUF 20 billion in the first year. As he explained, the sum is this high because the equipment has to be bought. However, he said that they are already negotiating with the United States about the provision of equipment. The estimated value of which may be HUF 7 billion, so the costs would amount to about HUF 10 billion, not counting the equipment.
He said that the government's view was that the terrorist organisation had launched an attack against the entire Western community. Hungary is a member of this community of values with the resultant obligations. We are already part of the conflict; it is our duty to take part in the repulsion of this brutal attack, he said.
Péter Szijjártó informed the members of the body that the "international coalition" does not act against the Islamic State based on NATO or UN authorisation. The legal basis is provided by two UN Security Council Resolutions of 2014 on the fight against terrorism.
If Hungary also decides to contribute to the efforts of the coalition against the Islamic State by means of a military contingent, a bilateral agreement has to be signed with Iraq.
He said that in the proposal to be submitted to Parliament, they will suggest that the presence in Iraq lasts until 31 December 2017.
Péter Szijjártó said that the representatives of the General Staff of the Armed Forces would travel to a field oversight in the week of 30 March; following this, the decision of the Parliament may be reached by the middle or the end of April; and the Hungarian soldiers may start to arrive in Iraq by the end of May.
As regards the security of the soldiers, he said that the territory where the Hungarian soldiers will go is the safest compared to any other territory in Iraq.
Péter Szijjártó emphasised to journalists after the committee meeting that he is confident and hoping that the two thirds majority required for the Hungarian military participation will be achieved.
(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
