"On behalf of the Hungarian civic political forces, we wish good luck for Mr Yushchenko in the coming parliamentary elections. It is Hungary's national interest that Ukraine remains a Western-oriented country with the perspective of EU- and NATO-membership. President Yushchenko is himself the guarantee that such a long-term strategic cooperation can be attained with Ukraine", stated Mr Orbán, following the consultation, having also reaffirmed that both the European People's Party and Fidesz will support the incumbent Ukrainian President's victory. It is "Our Ukraine", the political party led by Mr Yushchenko that respects the rights of ethnic Hungarians to use their language and to have it taught in areas of Western-Ukraine.

Replying to the question inquiring about Hungary's official position on the coming Ukrainian elections, Mr Orbán said it would be desirable to see a coherent diplomacy, as Hungary today has no foreign policy and no position regarding any major European issue either. Not only is this the case with neighboring Ukraine but also concerning the relationship with Russia, the United States or the debate on the recent missile defense proposal.

"Hungarian foreign policy today is missing, we have no clear positions around which alliances could be formed within the framework of the European Union", underlined the chairman of Fidesz, who also called the notion of Hungary being a "bridge" between the East and the West, the EU and Russia, a mistaken concept. "Hungary today is a member of the EU and NATO. We are a pillar of the bridge, not its arch", said Mr Orbán.

The leader of Fidesz repeated that within the limits interstate protocol, Hungary should firmly stand by a NATO- and EU-oriented Ukraine, being a common European interest.

Regarding Russia, Viktor Orbán stated that the different opinions of Hungarian parties regarding both the energy-dependence and the common European energy security had to be acknowledged. "Since the Hungarian diplomacy does not emphasize its own interests but rather chooses to have no position whatsoever in such delicate issues, not only the public but also the analysts of foreign policy find our aims incomprehensible.

Viktor Orbán agreed with the common Hungarian-Ukrainian energy policy concept, deeming it Hungary's interest to diversify its supplies and transportation system. "Any step by the government to broaden our choices in this matter can and should be supported", said Mr Orbán.

Replying to the question regarding the current government's separate energy policy, the chairman of Fidesz said that the incumbent cabinet was determined to tie Hungary to Russia with respect to energy policy. "This is a mistaken idea. We should not stick to one single option but try and keep as many possibilities open as possible to always have the best choice accessible. We need alternative energy sources, suppliers and transportation systems and storage facilities. What we see today in the energy sector is a rather complex European, or even global affair in which Hungary should take steps that reflect its national interests, and not tie its foreign policy to another actor's decisions."

fidesz.hu - orbanviktor.hu