Lebanese Al-Manar television made the false allegation that Hungary’s Ambassador to Lebanon, László Váradi, had made a statement during his visit to a museum in Lebanon. Other media outlets also publicised this piece of false news without checking its authenticity.

Ambassador Váradi actually paid a visit to a museum in southern Lebanon, which displayed an exhibition open to all visitors. The Hungarian Ambassador attended the exhibition as part of his work as a diplomat to gain insight into the life of his host country, but he did not make any statements of any kind during his visit. Ambassador Váradi will be sending a request to Al-Manar television, which first broadcasted the news containing the false allegations, to issue a public statement rectifying the error.

From the viewpoint of the stability of the Middle East, Hungary considers it most important that the unity, internal peace and security of Lebanon, which is a major factor for the peace and security of the entire region, should be preserved. We sincerely hope that that the Government of Lebanon will tackle the economic, political and security challenges that confront the Republic of Lebanon in order to preserve the stability of the Middle East and Lebanon. Hungary supports the Government of Lebanon in performing the tasks required to accomplish these goals.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)