Hungary is fully committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence and condemns the violation of its territorial integrity, Minister of Foreign Affairs János Martonyi said 3 Marc 2014.
Arriving at a meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Brussels, Minister Martonyi noted that Russia had signed the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances in 1994, along with the United States and the United Kingdom. The agreement contains assurances against threats or use of force against Ukraine in return for the country giving up nuclear weapons and joining the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. He added that Article Six of the Memorandum calls for signatories to hold immediate talks in case issues arose regarding any of the obligations contained in the document.
“All parties must be clear on the gravity of the situation,” he said, adding that Visegrád countries have their own „special histories” and experiences from 1956, 1968, and 1981. He called for the biggest possible caution and the avoiding of all forms of provocation while encouraging genuine dialogue.
Hungary will insist on observing the basic principles of international law, the Minister added. He also said that he did not know whether the EU would approve any sanctions against Russia later today.
(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
