SNS Rejects Magyar's Remarks about 'Felvidek' as They Are Damaging Relations

Bratislava, 28 April (TASR) - The coalition Slovak National Party (SNS) strongly rejects the statements made by Hungarian Prime Minister-designate Peter Magyar, in which he refers to the territory of Slovakia as 'Felvidek' [a Hungarian name for Slovakia harking back to the Kingdom of Hungary until 1918 that is viewed as derogatory in Slovakia - ed. note] and pledges assistance to 'his fellow citizens' living in that region, SNS spokesperson Zuzana Skopcova told TASR on Tuesday, adding that according to SNS, such rhetoric contradicts the principles of state sovereignty and represents a dangerous step toward worsening of Slovak-Hungarian relations. "We consider the use of historically burdened terms in current political discourse to be inappropriate and potentially destabilising," noted the party. In connection with statements about 'Felvidek', the party also criticised Laszlo Gubik, chairman of a Slovak extra-parliamentary party called Hungarian Alliance. The party also points out that raising sensitive historical issues, including those related to the Benes Decrees, can lead to unnecessary escalation of tensions not only between Slovaks and Hungarians but also in the broader Central European region. "If Mr. Magyar wants to be a relevant political partner in the region, he should distinguish between historical concepts such as Kingdom of Hungary and contemporary states such as the Slovak Republic and the Republic of Hungary. Respect for sovereignty and historical facts is the foundation of good neighbourly cooperation," stated SNS leader Andrej Danko. The party chairman also calls on representatives of the Slovak government to respond clearly and firmly to such statements and to protect Slovakia's interests in the field of foreign policy. Peter Magyar met Laszlo Gubik in his office on Tuesday to discuss the phone call that Magyar had with Slovak Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) last week. am