SZIJJARTO: DECISIONS MADE BY THE EU UNDERMINE PEACE IN THE REGION

BUDAPEST, APRIL 9 /SRNA/ - Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said that European policy regarding the Western Balkans is absurd and dangerous, and the decisions being made fundamentally undermine peace in the region.

Szijjártó told reporters after his meeting with Željka Cvijanović, the Serbian member and Chairwoman of the BiH Presidency, in Budapest that threats of sanctions and the prevention of political action by democratically elected leaders lead to instability and dangerous situations.

"Every country has the right to decide its fate and its leaders, and there is no room for external interference," said Szijjártó at a press conference after his meeting with Cvijanović.

He emphasized that peace and tranquility in the Balkans are of great importance and that continuous dialogue is needed.

"While on one side, U.S. President Donald Trump is doing everything possible to bring peace to Europe, European leaders are doing the opposite, undermining it," said Szijjártó.

He pointed out that Hungary is pursuing a responsible security policy with its neighbors and that EU policies need to be seriously changed.

"We have ambitions to make a 360-degree turnaround to change the current practice and engage in dialogue with the officials of the Balkans," said Szijjártó.