Slovakia Bans Visit of Hungary President over "Provocation"

World | August 21, 2009, Friday // 19:46|  views

Hungary's President, Laszlo Solyom, has been banned from visiting Slovakia by the Slovak authorities. Photo by BGNES

Slovakia has banned the Hungarian President, László Sólyom, from entering the country, the Slovak Prime Minister, Robert Fico, announced Friday.

Hungary's President was planning to make an unofficial visit in the town of Komarno in southern Slovakia in order to take part in a ceremony for the opening of a monument of St. Stefan, who is patron of the Hungarian Republic, and of the Hungarian Kingdom that existed until 1918 and also encompassed Slovakia.

The Slovak government in Bratislava has described the planned visit of President Solyom to Komarno as a "provocation".

A Spokesperson of the Hungarian President said that Solyom had canceled his visit as a result of the ban but was going to made a statement on the Hungarian side of the border later.

Friday's decision of Slovakia to ban the visit of the Hungarian President is most significant diplomatic incident in the relations of the two countries in the recent years. Over the last few months, Hungary and Slovakia have accused each other in violating the rights of their respective minorities.

 

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Tags: Hungary, Slovakia, Laszlo Solyom, Robert Fico, provocation, Komarno, minority

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