Minister of State for National Policy Árpád János Potápi received the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s High Commissioner on National Minorities, Astrid Thors, in his office today.
During the meeting, Mr. Potápi explained that the majority of problems relating to the situation of Hungarians living outside the country’s borders outlined during the High Commissioner’s previous visit still exist. While the situation has improved in the case of Slovakia and Serbia, the situation of the Hungarian minority living in Romania has deteriorated significantly. This deterioration is tangible in the restriction of language-related rights and the right to use symbols, and in the abuses observed within the field of the restitution of church and community properties.
With relation to the situation of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine, the Minister of State highlighted the fact that circumstances are significantly complicated by the prolonged political crisis in the country. Astrid Thors assured the representatives of the Hungarian Government that she would continue to keep a close eye on the situation of minorities living in the region and expressed her hope that their situation will soon improve.
(Prime Minister’s Office)
