Magyar News, 2002. szeptember-2003. augusztus (13. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2003-06-01 / 10. szám
1 Hungarians vote 'yes' to EU Hungary celebrates an embarrassing result. Magyar Távirati Iroda Hungary is set to back entry into the European Union by a large majority, according to first results from Saturday's referendum. With more than 99% of ballots counted, returns showed about 84% of voters backing entry, the Hungarian Electoral Committee announced. Fireworks exploded in the night sky above the River Danube in the capital to the strains of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony - the EU anthem - as the authorities welcomed the result. But turnout was only about 46% suggesting many Hungarians had expressed their disapproval or fears about membership by staying away from voting stations, the BBC's Nick Thorpe reports from Budapest. This was much less than the resounding "yes" the government had been hoping for, our correspondent says, and somewhat embarrassing for Hungary. Prime Minister Peter Medgyessy put a brave face on the result nevertheless. The citizens of Hungary, he said in a speech in front of the Academy of Sciences, like good parents, had provided a future for their children. Hungary is the third of 10 countries invited to join the EU in May 2004 to put the question to a vote. Our correspondent says the campaign for the referendum appeared weighed in its favour from the outset, buoyed by "yes" votes in Malta and Slovenia. Photo: Sándor Kovács HUNGARIAN LEADERS HAIL SIGNING OF EU TREATY [17th April, 2003] Prime Minister Peter Medgyessy prefaced the EU Treaty of Accession signing ceremony on 16 April (see item above) by saying that "the long, unjust, and sad century of a divided Europe is now coming to an end," Hungarian television reported. "I count the 21st century from now," he added. "Fate and Europe are paying off a long-standing debt, while we Hungarians are paying off a debt to ourselves." In a reference to ethnic Hungarians in neighboring countries, Medgyessy said, "The Hungarians, divided into so many parts, can now grasp an opportunity to reunite across national borders." Speaking on the sidelines of the ceremony, Hungarian President Ferenc Madl emphasized that Hungary must be thoroughly prepared to join the EU. "It is important that we lay the foundations for a successful accession by well-thought initiatives to subsidize agriculture, small and medium-sized enterprises, environmental protection, infrastructure, and regional development," Madl said. For his part, former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán told reporters that Hungary will need to adopt a strong policy of asserting its interests in the EU. MSZ EU CURRENT. FUTURE MEMBERS SIGN ACCESSION TREATIES [17th April, 2003] In a ceremony at the foot of the Acropolis in Athens, leaders from the 15 current member states and 10 future EU countries signed treaties on 16 April that clear the path to the bloc's enlargement, international news agencies reported. The so-called Treaty of Accession removes an obstacle to the largest expansion in the EU's history. Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia are expected to join the European Union in May 2004. The current and new members of the organization issued a joint statement pledging to "continue to uphold and defend human rights, both inside and outside the EU, including the fight against all types of discrimination" (see End Note below). European Parliament President Patrick Cox said at the ceremony: "Today, here in Athens, in returning to this cradle of civilization and democracy, we mark a decisive step forward in our common journey to a European Union and a European continent which is whole and complete," according to RFE/RL. European Commission President Romano Prodi called the ceremony "the highest moment of my presidency." Guenter Verheugen, European commissioner for enlargement, called on the roughly 75 million citizens of the newly admitted states to participate in their national referendums on accession "because it is a decision for the whole century and for the generations to come." MS Hungary opens Iraq Reconstruction Co-ordination office The Economy and Foreign Ministries jointly established an Iraq Reconstruction Co-ordination Office yesterday, in the framework of ITDH, to provide information for Hungarian companies which may wish to become involved in the rebuilding of that country. At the moment, USAID is exclusively responsible for organizing the reconstruction program in Iraq, and that agency has invited Hungary to participate in the process. So far 80-100 companies have requested information from the Foreign Ministry. According to estimates, Hungarian companies may receive $15-25 million in orders, mostly in the areas of water and energy supply, health care, foodstuffs and construction, Foreign Ministry undersecretary István Major told the media. HUNGARY PONDERS SENDING POLICE FORCE TO IRAQ Britain and the United States have unofficially asked Hungary to send about 100 military police to Iraq. The effort would not be part of any UN mission. The Defense Ministry cannot finance such a costly peacekeeping mission and therefore would have to tap reserve funds. The ministry spends 25 billion forints ($110 million) a year on peacekeeping already. Hungarian armed forces are short of funding. MSZ Page 7
