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FM: The situation of ethnic minorities in Ukraine is unacceptable and seriously unlawful

Péter Szijjártó said that the Ukrainian deputy prime minister’s visit to Hungary scheduled for March would hopefully bring the parties closer to an agreement on minority rights in Ukraine.

The foreign minister has called the situation of ethnic minorities in Ukraine "unacceptable and seriously unlawful".

During his speech at the plenary session of the UN’s General Assembly, Péter Szijjártó said that the Ukrainian deputy prime minister’s visit to Hungary scheduled for March would hopefully bring the parties closer to an agreement on minority rights in Ukraine.

According to MTI, the minister noted that a strong, developing and democratic Ukraine is in the interest of Hungary because of the 150,000 ethnic Hungarians living there.

The minister said that over the past five to six years, Hungary has granted Ukraine some HUF 75 billion (EUR 222m) worth of economic development, humanitarian, health and educational aid, provided medical treatment for wounded soldiers and hosted 2,300 children in summer camps.

Minister Szijjártó said Hungary has always stood up for Ukraine’s integrity and sovereignty, and is aware of the difficulties the country is facing. However, it cannot accept the recent Ukrainian laws on education and language use passed in violation of the neighboring country’s bilateral and international commitments.

The minister said the United Nations should make universal approaches to all breaches of international law. It is unacceptable if the UN takes action against certain violations and overlooks others.

Photo credit: Magyar Nemzet