Novak: Hungary ‘fighting for democracy’
Addressing students at Franciscan University in Ohio on Tuesday, Novak told them “not to be afraid when you have to make a decision”.
On the subject of Hungary’s relationship with Russia, the president said Hungary’s position was “crystal clear”: it condemns Russian aggression in Ukraine and supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity. At the same time, Hungary pursues a “pragmatic relationship” with Russia to ensure its citizens can heat their homes, for which Russian oil and gas is essential. When it comes to sanctions, a similarly “rational and pragmatic approach” is needed, she added.
At the wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of Lajos Kossuth in Cleveland, Novak quoted Kossuth’s speech on democracy made in the Ohio state legislature in 1852: “All for the people, and all by the people. Nothing about the people without the people.”
Novak said Hungary was still fighting for these ideas and values so that people can decide for themselves how they want to live.
Mayor of Cleveland Justin Bibb at the event called for closer ties between the city and Hungary.
Attending a meeting of the Artur Gorgey scout team at St. Imre Catholic Church in Cleveland, Novak referred to her recent speech in New York to the UN General Assembly in which she noted that organisations like the UN and the European Union “were all created as a peace mission”. “Let’s at least think, talk and act for peace here,” she said.