Forum Views () 
Forum Replies ()  
 
 
Read more with google mobile :
Slovakia, Hungary dispute mounts as president barred  
 
 
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
  
 
 
  
Navigation
Primary Navigation
 
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
 
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
 
Search
 
 
Search:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Slovakia, Hungary dispute mounts as president barred
 
 
 
 
 
 
 AFP - Saturday, August 22
BRATISLAVA (AFP) - - A bitter war of words between EU members Hungary and Slovakia was Friday ratched up as Hungarian President Laszlo Solyom cancelled a private visit after Bratislava said it would bar him from entering.
ADVERTISEMENT
 
  
Slovakia had repeatedly blasted Solyom's planned trip to a border town because it had been due to take place on the day the country remembers an invasion by Soviet-led troops, among them Hungarians.
In Hungary, presidential spokeswoman Szilvia Szotak told the local news agency MTI that Solyom would not enter Slovak territory.
"He will make a statement on the Hungarian side of the border," she said.
August 21 is remembered here as the day in 1968 when what then was Czechoslovakia was occupied by Warsaw Pact troops -- including Hungary's -- to crush the "Prague Spring" reform drive by the country's communist leadership.
Solyom was scheduled to attend the unveiling of a statue of Stephen, a medieval king of Hungary, in the southern Slovak town of Komarno.
The Hungarian town of Komarom lies on the southern bank of the River Danube, which marks the two countries' border.
Hungarians make up 10 percent of Slovakia's population of 5.4 million people, mostly living along the frontier.
"Komarno lies in Slovakia's territory, it's not a Hungarian town," Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico told reporters earlier Friday, adding that Solyom would be welcome at any other time, but that coming on August 21 was "mere provocation".
"He wants to spark a conflict, we want to avoid it," Fico insisted.
Fico had said that the Slovak foreign ministry had handed a diplomatic note to the Hungarian ambassador saying Slovakia would not let Solyom in.
"If he decides to ignore the note it would be a violation of international law and Slovakia's sovereignty," Fico warned.
"We won't prevent him from crossing the border by force. We want to behave in a diplomatic way," he added.
On Tuesday, Fico, Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic and parliamentary Speaker Pavol Paska had issued a sharply-worded joint statement saying Solyom would not be welcome in Slovakia and describing his planned trip as "insensitive and tactless".
Solyom was invited by Komarno mayor Tibor Bastrnak, who is a member of Slovakia's opposition ethnic-Hungarian SMK party.
Critics have noted that the mayor failed to invite Slovak leaders, allegedly paving the way for the dispute -- but in Tuesday's statement, the leaders had also blasted Solyom for allegedly failing to show any interest in meeting with them.
The past is deeply sensitive for Slovakia, which was ruled by Hungary for centuries and has only been an independent state since Czechoslovakia split in 1993.
But the spat also hinges on a present-day dispute.
Hungary has protested to the United Nations over Slovakia's new language law, which it dubs discriminatory to the Hungarian minority -- a move blasted by Slovakia's leaders.
The law slaps fines of up to 5,000 euros (7,000 dollars) on the use of minority languages in government and other public services.
Ties between the two ex-Soviet bloc neighbours, both of whom joined the European Union in 2004, have been tense since 2006 when the far-right SNS party, known for its antipathy towards minorities, entered the government steered by Fico's left-wing populist Smer party.
Both Hungary and Slovakia are also members of Europe's Schengen zone, where frontier controls have been dropped to smooth cross-border travel.
 
 
 
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
 
 
     
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
 
Related Articles: World
US court denies parole to killer of FBI agentsAFP - Saturday, August 22
Kadhafi meets Lockerbie bomber, deal allegedAFP - Saturday, August 22
Peru's Amazon Indians warn of renewed protestsAP - Saturday, August 22
Tech giants oppose Google book projectAFP - Saturday, August 22
Teachers' union criticizes Obama on schools stanceAP - Saturday, August 22
 
 
 
 
 
 Enlarge Photo
 
A bitter war of words between EU members Hungary and Slovakia was Friday ratched up as Hungarian President Laszlo Solyom, seen here, cancelled a private visit after Bratislava said it would bar him from entering.
 
 
 
Most Popular – World
 
 
 
 
 
 Viewed
 
 
 
 
It's nuts! Squirrel becomes a Web sensation
 
 
Ramadan begins on Saturday amid swine flu worries
 
 
Pandas could be extinct in 2-3 generations: report
 
 
CIA hired Blackwater for assassin program: reports
 
 
Egypt warns pharaohs' tombs could disappear
 
 
View Complete List »
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy 
- Terms of Service 
- Community 
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy 
- Help
        
    
   
 
Other News on Saturday, 22 August 2009 Iraq officials urge change after bombs  
Balts marking human chain that broke Soviet rule  
Amazon, Microsoft,  to oppose Google book project  
Take embarrassing pics off Facebook, Berlin warns  
More ETA arms caches found in France  
US-TECH Summary  
Yahoo wins court ruling over webcasting fees  
Slovakia, Hungary dispute mounts as president barred  
Yemen reiterates ceasefire conditions for rebels
| International
|  
News Corp. seeking to form online news consortium: LAT  
China Mobile keen on deals with Taiwan firms  
Iran allows IAEA better access at nuclear sites  
News Corp eyes online news consortium: report  
Putin visits Russia dam disaster, warns of 75 dead  
Four dead in multiple Chechnya bicycle bombings  
Search in Mediterranean for 73 migrants feared dead  
Hurricane Bill weakens near Bermuda
| International
|  
Iraq officials urge change after bombs
| International
|  
Rock slide on Portugal beach kills five
| International
|  
Hungarian president calls off tense Slovak visit
| International
|  
French police find 3 more suspected ETA arms stashes
| International
|  
Arctic Sea hijackers arrested in Moscow court
| International
|  
Obama marks beginning of Muslim holy month  
Bernanke says US economy on cusp of recovery  
North, South Koreans to talk during trip to Seoul  
Harlem Globetrotters wow Thais with b-ball tricks  
AP INVESTIGATION: SC gov didn't disclose flights  
Microsoft, Yahoo join in opposing Google books deal
| Technology
|  
Envoys sent by North Korea's Kim arrive in South  
Seattle's mayor concedes in Democratic primary  
AT&T says had no role in iPhone Google app rejection
| Technology
|  
Judge tosses deportation case against Egyptian man  
Philippine police arrest alleged terror leader  
Yahoo wins U.S. court ruling over webcasting fees
| Technology
|  
Woman admits torturing, killing, burning Ariz. man  
Cambodian village worships cow with reptilian skin  
India gives Pakistan new evidence on Mumbai  
WHO predicts 'explosion' of swine flu cases  
'Public option' _ From obscurity to central issue  
Out of Africa and into China, immigrants struggle  
China fires supreme court judge amid bribery probe  
2 walk away from fiery small plane crash in NJ  
Decent weather expected for Tuesday shuttle launch  
More questions than answers for China's lead victims  
China market slump not seen as warning signal  
China Construction Bank 1H profit down 4.9 pct  
Taiwan CPC says crude runs at 70 pct on poor margins  
China's growth projected at 8.5%: govt thinktank  
Robin Williams says he is a work-in-progress dad
| Entertainment
|  
Michael Jackson's burial postponed until September 3
| Entertainment
|  
Hanson to debut new songs on fall tour
| Entertainment
|  
Jackson burial postponed until Sept. 3  
Authorities hunt reality TV star in model slaying  
Meat Loaf taps Rob Cavallo, Brian May for new album
| Entertainment
|  
'Pulp Fiction' writer pleads guilty in fatal crash  
California charges actor with murder in model's death
| Entertainment
|  
Early 20th century films found in Polish cellar  
$3 million Marden painting destroyed in transit: lawsuit
| Entertainment
|  
California charges actor with murder in model's death  
Babysitting grandparents 'save Italians 50 bln euros'  
Egoyan's 'Chloe' to open San Sebastian film festival  
Among character actors, Jane Lynch is leading lady  
Guitarist James Burton hopes to break world record  
US: 4 American troops in Iraq charged with cruelty  
Diplomats on front line as Honduran crisis deepens  
Libya's Gaddafi meets Lockerbie bomber
| International
|  
Apple tells FCC jury still out on 'Google Voice'  
Tech giants oppose Google book project  
Bombings interrupt Baghdad's summer of optimism  
Ethnic tension a factor in Afghan vote: envoy
| International
|  
AT&T says had no role in iPhone Google app rejection  
Pakistan's war-displaced lament Ramadan in camps
| International
|  
Hungary and Slovakia in war of words as president is barred  
Merritt, Felix dedicate gold to Owens  
Twitter out to make money from businesses  
North Korea envoys extend Seoul stay: report
| International
|  
Slovakia, Hungary dispute mounts as president barred  
US existing-home sales blaze record in July  
Iran allows IAEA better access at nuclear sites  
Bernanke upbeat on global recovery prospects  
Microsoft, Yahoo join in opposing Google books deal  
Facebook letting bigwigs fire updates to Twitter  
Japan opposition may score landslide win: media
| International
|  
Shiites and Sunnis accuse each other of Iraq truck bombings  
Bermuda braces as Hurricane Bill approaches
| International
|  
Over 100,000 people displaced by Yemen fighting: U.N.
| International
|  
Swiss watchdog demands shutdown of Google Street View  
United Nations hails security gains in Haiti
| International
|  
US court denies parole to killer of FBI agents  
Kadhafi meets Lockerbie bomber, deal alleged  
Canadian, ex-policeman killed in Philippine shoot-out  
Sean Kingston album gets fans online with karaoke
| Technology
|  
Japan opposition may score landslide win: media  
AP sources: Report details harsh CIA methods  
Aussie press gearing for Ashes defeat  
WHO urges China to share swine flu vaccine  
NKorean envoys call for improved ties with Seoul  
Muted commemoration as Hawaii turns 50 as a state  
Broad revives England's Ashes bid  
Teachers' union criticizes Obama on schools stance  
Taqueria fined $46K for firing mom who breastfed  
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 716  
Teen shot by police following holdup on film set  
Ex-Vietnam lieutenant apologizes for massacre  
Pakistan c.bank buys 39.55 bln rupees of govt paper  
Japan's Honda to launch electric cars in US: report  
Jackson burial postponed, judge approves exhibition
| Entertainment
|  
Sean Kingston album gets fans online with karaoke
| Entertainment
|  
Q&A: John Fogerty returns to roots with Rangers
| Entertainment
|  
Shutter Island release postponed to February
| Entertainment
|  
Billboard singles reviews: Miley Cyrus, Madonna
| Entertainment
|  
Smacking children to remain illegal: NZealand PM  
Hasidic star Matisyahu saving reggae with new disc
| Entertainment
|  
Jackson memorabilia tour approved; London's first  
"Shutter Island" release postponed to February  
DEA raids Beverly Hills pharmacy in Jackson probe  
Jackson burial postponed, judge approves exhibition  
`Avatar' previews held worldwide for eager fans  
High court hears Tom Hanks' high-end home dispute  
Billboard singles reviews: Miley Cyrus, Madonna  
Spike Lee's Jackson birthday bash could draw 10K  
Iraqi FM warns of bigger, more powerful attacks  
Gaddafi hugs Lockerbie bomber; Britain denies deal
| International
|  
New economic data set to test Wall Street bull run  
Afghan vote not all free: EU  
Afghan vote 'generally fair, not free everywhere'  
Argentine outrage as Iran names bomb suspect minister  
North Korea envoys to meet South's president
| International
|  
Greek forest fire rages near Athens, damages homes
| International
|  
Pakistani Taliban quiz Mehsud kin over spying
| International
|  
Maliki assures Iraq its forces will defeat terror
| International
|  
Ingush leader returns home after assassination attempt
| International
|  
Somali president calls for Ramadan ceasefire
| International
|  
Obama to visit China in November  
Former US soldier apologises for My Lai massacre  
Hurricane Bill douses Bermuda as it moves north  
2 Pakistan students expelled from UK return home  
North Korea envoys to meet South's president  
2 killed in small plane crash near Ohio school  
2 Koreas hold high-level talks; 1st in 2 years  
Australia, NZealand vow closer climate, military ties  
Obama challenges critics on health care  
Pakistan's war-displaced lament Ramadan in camps  
The Nation's Weather  
Large Texas bank shut by federal regulators  
Conservatives react after Lutherans lift gay ban  
Aircraft sent to Australian oil rig leak  
Drug case against Mexican cartel began with crumbs  
US man faces lesser manslaughter charge in HK  
Report: Honda to sell electric cars in US  
Vietnam English daily closes, blames global crisis  
12 million jobseekers in China won't find work  
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary  
Sean Kingston album gets fans online with karaoke  
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro  
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found  
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever  
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production  
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time  
AMD to Start Production of piledriver  
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs  
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia  
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air  
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch  
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent  
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up  
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform  
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis  
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets  
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights