Szijjarto: Hungary, LIBE 'in serious dispute' over illegal migration

Hungary has a "serious dispute" with the European Parliament's LIBE committee over illegal migration, an issue vital for Europe's future, Hungary's foreign minister said at a hearing by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs in Brussels on Thursday. The Hungarian government rejects illegal migration and the mandatory migrant distribution quota system designed by Brussels, and it will continue to fight for the interests and security of the Hungarian people, Peter Szijjarto told the body. The Hungarian government will not shy away from a debate, but there is a wide gap between the views of Budapest and Brussels on most aspects of the issue, including "the concept of nation, respect for traditions, border defence and security". "When Hungary is being attacked, the target is a country that has emerged, through its own efforts, from being part of the problem to part of the solution," the minister said. Hungary's interests lie in a strong European Union where debates about its future are based on "common sense", he said.